Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-02-09
Notes on California.
SACRAMENTO.

the JHCfdIh6hAO hifCI Whith 40 AASAS
gpanned by bridge 800 feet in length
and has draw for the accommodation OF
vessels navigating the river. The large
steamers Yosemite and Chrysopolis ply
between this city and San Francisco On
alternate days, and smaller vessels ascend
the river from two to three hundred miles
further.
The location of the city was determined
by Gen. John A. Suffer in 1889, who SUBJ
sequently obtained of the Mexican Gov
eminent grant of large tract OF LAND
for agricultural and other purposes. Upon
this grant he built fort, designed as a
protection against the Entertainments OF
the Indians, known to be somewhat nu-
merous and hostile at that time. This
fort is still standing and is conspicuous
as you pass into the city from the South
east it is of brick two stories high, with
ambrazures and presents an Anticipated
appearance.
1t is now generally conceded that the
location of the city was unfortunate, and
that it should have been located on the
elevated ground now occupied by Satter-
Vile six miles below where it now stands,
as it Mould then have been secure from
those devastating floods by which it has
been visited within the last ten or twelve
years. Levees were at first raised along
the banks of the Sacramento and Ameri'
can Rivers, but these falling, it was de-
termined to raise the grade of the city
ten feet, which decision is being carried
out by large working force in constant
employ, and which when the work i.
completed it is thought will prove ef-
fective against future foundations.
Sacramento is regularly laid out, its
streets running with the feur cardinal
points. The streets commencing on the
north near the left bank of the American
River, are designated by the letters Of the
alphabet as, A. B. @. and running east
and west. Those running north and south
are designated by numbers as, First,
Second, Third, etc. The city is largely
built of brick, and portion of its build
ings are of moderate dimensions, yet il
has many first class structures, among
which are the Court House, saving
Bank, Congregational and Roman Catholic
Churches, the Golden Eagle and Capital
Hotels, and Odd Fellows Hall, besides
numerous private residences, the best OF
which are those Of Ex.Gov. Leland Stan
ford and Charles Crecker, Esq, President
and Vice President of the Central Pacific
Rsilroad), the mansion of the last named
Bayard Taylor designates as the finest
residence in California.
Sacramento has IA churches. Il public
schools, with more than 1000 scholars,
besides several private schools. 1t has
three Awning mills, several boundaries
aud machine shops. also manufactures of
various kinds. The buildings of the
Central Psoific Railroad are situated 81
litt'e north of the city and occupy some
6fteen acres of ground, and are very ex-
tensive. They consist of car shops, round
house, machine shops, paint shops, black
smith shops, an iron department, and >
Hospital where sick or disabled workmep
in the employ of the Company are taken
rare Of
Thie city is destined to become the
great railroad center. of the State. Five
lines are already in operation, running
out in various directions besides this the
steamboats,, sloops and schooners navigat.
Ing the river bring in large amount OF
business. The principal business street
are K. and J., also First or Front street,
bordering on the river, with several
Others that might be named. Street ears
were introduced in September last, with
what measure Of success the writer is I'M
able to state, az he left soon after Sacra
mRnto was made the permanent capital o.
the State in 1854, but no action was taken
until 1860, when the Legislature author
lied the building of State House upon
a magnificent scale.
THE CAPITOL
is located on four squares of the city,
fronting on Broadway, the work upon
tinued until the death of the principal
architect, Mr.. Clark when it was sus-
psndsd for season. Work was again
resumed in 1867, under the supervision OF
Mr.. Cummings, the present architect, and
it is expected that it's completion will be
announced within the next two years.
The building is 800 feet in length BY
about 270 in width, it ia three stories
high, the first or basement being of white
granite, the two upper stories are of brick
The rotunda is ~ feet in diameter, and
the building is to be surmouuted by r
dome which, when finished, will rise to
the height of 2l0 feet. AS the exterior is
unfinished the writer will defer a des
oription. The Representatives. Hall, the
Senate Chamber and Library, are com.
pleted, and were occupied by the Legis
lature during its session of 1869. Th,
Representatives. Hall is 80 by 70 feet and
46 feet in height and occupies the north
EN- flank of the building, and it's fnishin,
and decorations are of the most gorgeou,
description. The walls ere richly decor
ated with wood work of various devices
and the ceiling overhead is formed o.
Va,iegated panel work, evincing on tn.
part of the builder great fertility of de
sign. The Speakers desk, at the east
end. Is of mahogany, and is an exhibition
o. the most elaborate workman ship
Upon the wall, in the rear of the desk, i.
Suspended a colossal painting Of Gen
Suffer, and occupying niche, near the
upper ceiling, ia to be seen q representa-
ton OF the Genius of Liberty. The gal
leries on the opposite side of the hall are
supported by Corinthian columns, orna.
mepted with bronzed capitals. The Sen.