California State Railroad Museum
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Big Four Building: Railroad History Landmark
Visit the Big Four Building in Old Sacramento, where the Transcontinental Railroad was conceived and planned, shaping the American West.
The Big Four Building in Old Sacramento marks the spot where California's railroad tycoons planned the Transcontinental Railroad. Explore exhibits and admire the preserved architecture of this National Historic Landmark.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Big Four Building
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
101-115 I St, Sacramento, Old Sacramento, California, 95814, US
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Getting There
Walking
The Big Four Building is located in the heart of Old Sacramento. From most points within Old Sacramento, it is easily accessible on foot. Simply navigate towards I Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets. The building is located at 101-115 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Public Transport
Old Sacramento is accessible via Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT). Several bus lines and light rail routes serve the area. From Sacramento Valley Station, walk west towards 2nd St. The Big Four Building will be a short walk from there. A single ride on SacRT costs $2.50. A daily pass is $7.00.
Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Sacramento. A taxi from downtown Sacramento to the Big Four Building will be a short ride. Taxi fares typically start at $4, with a per-mile charge of $3. A 5-mile trip would cost around $13.
Parking
If driving, take Interstate 5 to the J Street exit and follow the signs to Old Sacramento. Abundant covered parking is available at the main parking structure located at 3rd and J Streets. There are also metered on-street parking spaces available for a limited time. Weekend pre-pay rates at garages are around $15. Metered street parking is available for two-hour blocks and enforced from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m..
Local tips
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Explore the surrounding Old Sacramento State Historic Park for a complete Gold Rush-era experience.
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Visit nearby attractions such as the California State Railroad Museum and the Sacramento History Museum.
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Check the local event calendars for seasonal festivals and activities held in Old Sacramento.
Discover more about Big Four Building
The Big Four Building, also known as the Big Four House, is a significant historical landmark located in Old Sacramento State Historic Park. This building marks the location where the 'Big Four' – Collis Huntington, Mark Hopkins, Leland Stanford, and Charles Crocker – organized the Central Pacific Railroad Company in the 19th century. These four men played a crucial role in connecting California to the Eastern United States via the Transcontinental Railroad.Originally, the site consisted of three separate buildings constructed between 1851 and 1852: the Stanford Building, the Huntington & Hopkins Building, and the Miller Building. These buildings housed various merchants, including the future Big Four. In 1878, the structures were combined into a single building. Over the years, the Big Four House has been home to various businesses, including the Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store, a bar, a café, and a hotel.The Big Four Building was designated a National Historic Landmark on July 4, 1961. It is also part of the Old Sacramento Historic District, a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since October 15, 1966. Today, the Big Four House stands as a reminder of Sacramento's rich history and its role in the development of America's railroad system.
A brief summary to Big Four Building
Use Big Four Building as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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