Capitol Park, Sacramento

Capitol Park in Sacramento is both a historic site and a beautiful natural area, surrounding the California State Capitol with lush greenery. This 40-acre park spans twelve city blocks, making it one of the most scenic capitol grounds in the U.S. Its history begins in 1860, originally just four blocks, and expanded in the 1870s and again in 1917 to make room for the Capitol Extension buildings.

California Governor Leland Stanford envisioned the park in 1863, aiming to create a lavish Victorian garden. This goal has been achieved over the past 150 years as the park now features a wide variety of plants from across the world, including some of the largest tree species found in the state.

Significant historical enhancements started in 1869, improving the land with soil from the Sacramento River and the addition of over 800 trees and shrubs. The park was designed in a Victorian style with broad pathways and colorful flower beds. An old Agricultural Pavilion, built in 1884 to showcase State Fair exhibits until 1905, was once a highlight and has since been replaced by a section focusing on native California plants.

Capitol Park also serves as a site of remembrance, with several memorials like the Civil War Memorial Grove established in 1897, and the Purple Heart Monument unveiled in 2010. The park is home to around 150 buildings, memorials, and other notable points, each marking a piece of California's history.

Today, Capitol Park continues to evolve to support the needs of the state government and its citizens, remaining a vibrant reminder of California’s history and natural charm, just as Stanford envisioned.