Sacramento History Museum Underground Tours

The Sacramento History Museum's Underground Tours provide a fascinating journey into the past, revealing the innovative solutions employed by early Sacramentans to combat the recurrent flooding that plagued their city. During the 1860s and 1870s, in response to devastating floods, the city embarked on an ambitious project to raise the streets and buildings, some by as much as 15 feet. This undertaking left behind a network of underground spaces, remnants of the original city level, which can now be explored through guided tours. The tours, which depart from the Sacramento History Museum, are led by knowledgeable guides who bring the history to life with colorful stories and historical context. As you descend into the underground, you'll encounter hollow sidewalks, sloped alleyways, and the preserved foundations of buildings from the mid-19th century. These spaces once housed businesses, living quarters, and even less savory establishments like saloons and gambling halls. The tour guides explain the engineering marvel of jacking up entire buildings and raising the street level, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of this massive undertaking. The tours also shed light on the social and cultural aspects of life in early Sacramento, including the diverse population, the impact of the Gold Rush, and the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing environment. Photography and recording are not allowed in the underground spaces. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended due to the uneven terrain.