Historic Folsom: March 2012

Welcome to Historic Folsom!

Sutter Street – Folsom's original shopping district

Conveniently located about 100 miles east of the Bay Area and 85 miles west of Lake Tahoe, Folsom is literally the center of activity in Northern California. The Historic Folsom District is located on the south bank of Lake Natoma, extending southward to Bidwell Street. The Sutter Street business district is the site of the town's beginnings, built by Folsom founders John Folsom and Theodore Judah in 1854. Today, the business district surrounding Sutter Street maintains the historic Old-West charm of its origins, as do many of the surrounding homes – some of which date back to the 1800s. Exploring the neighborhoods of Historic Folsom, one will find an eclectic architectural mix, from Victorians and bungalows to post-war Cape Cods to contemporary European-style homes.

Historic District residents enjoy being in walking distance to the business district’s numerous offerings of eateries, pubs, antique and collector shops, specialty shops and art galleries. They also enjoy the street's year-round activities which include peddlers’ fairs, craft fairs, and Thursday night markets in the summer time. Santa has also been known to make an appearance at the annual Christmas-tree Lighting. There are also abundant shopping opportunities at the nearby Folsom Premium Outlets and the newly opened Palladio Lifestyle Center.

Also located in the business district is the Terminus of the Sacramento Regional Transist Lightrail Gold Route, which provides an economical commute for many area residents to nearby downtown Sacramento, as well as bringing in a large influx of tourists and visitors.

The Rainbow Bridge over Lake Natoma

The area’s temperate climate, combined with the close proximity of Lake Natoma, over 300 acres of developed park land, and over 36 beautiful miles of paved bike/walking/jogging paths make Folsom a mecca for outdoor recreation. Young families especially love the historic district for unlimited opportunities for safe, enriching, community environment.

With such a high quality of lifestyle, it’s no wonder that Money Magazine, Newsweek, and Business Week have all named Folsom as one of the best places in America to live, work, and play.

Folsom's Rich History

Maidu Village

Folsom’s history is a rich as – and also includes – the California Gold Rush. From the original natives’ enjoyment of the area’s abundant natural bounty, through the halcyon years of the Gold Rush, to today’s thriving, prosperous community, Folsom has always flourished. For thousands of years, the area we know as Folsom was home to the Nisenan Maidu Indians, who lived a peaceful existence hunting and gathering along the Yuba, Consumnes, Mokelumne, Sacramento and Natomon (American) Rivers. The Maidu communities began disappearing very early in the Gold Rush Era, when many miners arrived and began extensive mining operations along the river bars and surrounding hills. Peaceful hunting and gathering cultures were almost immediately overwhelmed as traditional forage areas and ancient milling sites became the scene of mining and commercial activities.

William Leidesdorff

In 1842, William Leidesdorff, a successful trader who owned a prosperous shipping business, was granted 35,000 acres along the American River. The holdings, which he named The Rancho Rio de los Americanos (The American River Ranch), extended from today’s Bradshaw Road along the south side of the American River to the present city of Folsom. Leidesdorff died in 1848 – just 12 days before the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo – and the land passed to his heirs in the Danish West Indies.

Meanwhile, on January 24 that same year, prospector James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, just 20 miles up the American River, marking the start of the California Gold Rush. In the absence of anyone to represent the interests of Leidesdorff’s heirs, settlers moved into the area, starting a settlement first known as Negro Bar. The surrounding area was extensively placer-mined during the gold rush, with minor lode mining. Numerous Chinese worked the region from the 1860s through the 1890s, and the tailings from their labors are still piled along today’s Folsom Boulevard, just north of Hwy 50.

Joseph L. Folsom

In 1854, after years of negotiating with Leidesdorff’s heirs, former U.S. Army Captain Joseph L. Folsom secured title to the Rancho Rio de los Americanos. Folsom hired fellow railroad pioneer Theodore Judah to help establish a town site near the Negro Bar mining spot on the American River. Their early plans included shops along Sutter Street and a railroad depot, naming the new town “Granite City.” Judah and Folsom planned the town as a railroad terminus before there were railroads in California. Folsom died at the age of 38, in July, 1855, and the executors of his estate changed the name of Granite City to Folsom, in his honor. On Feb. 22, 1856, just six months after his death, Folsom’s railroad dreams became reality, when the first train on the first railroad in the West arrived in Folsom from Sacramento. By then, every lot in the town had been sold, and three new hotels were operating in the town now known as Folsom.

Theodore Judah

Several decades later, construction began on Folsom Prison. Inmates helped construct the facility, which opened in 1880 when the first prisoners were moved to relieve over-crowding at San Quentin.

Following the 40-year construction of the Folsom Powerhouse, Folsom made history in 1895 with the first long-distance transmission of electricity: 22 miles from Folsom to Sacramento. The Powerhouse helped usher in the age of electricity with this notable accomplishment. The city’s historic truss bridge was completed in 1893 to transport people, cattle and small vehicles across the American River. In 1917, the Rainbow Bridge opened to accommodate automobiles, and it was the only option for crossing the river until the Lake Natoma Crossing opened in 1999, just below the Folsom Lake Dam.

Following a campaigned spearheaded by the Chamber of Commerce in 1946, Folsom became an incorporated city, and Eugene Kerr was elected as the city’s first mayor.

Folsom caught the nation’s attention in 1955, when Johnny Cash’s single, Folsom Prison Blues, became a chart-topping hit. Contrary to urban legends, Cash himself never served any time at Folsom State Prison, but on January 13, 1968, he did come to Folsom to perform two concerts for the inmates.

Sutter Street during the 1950s

Sutter Street, 1900

Shop & Eat – Eat & Shop

Shopping Around

Historic Folsom offers a unique, eclectic shopping experience, with antique stores, clothing and home boutiques, and specialty stores. Many of the shops have been in business for more than 20 years, and there are several new shops opening every month. Whether you are shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, you will find it in Historic Folsom:

Antiques

Curiosity Shoppe
Emily's Corner
Folsom Mercantile Exchange
Grays Place and Del Bello Antiques
Melange
Not Too Shabby
Williams Carriage House Antiques

Boutiques

Grapes & Ivy

The Bag Lady
Be Swank
Fire and Rain Gallery
The Firehouse Boutique
Gracefully Vintage
Grapes and Ivy
It's all about me, Bridal Boutique
It's Just Your Style and Friends
Katrina's Antique & Vintage European Embellishments
Melange
Not Too Shabby
Sutter Street Boutique

Jewelry

Emily's Corner

Emily's Corner
Gem N I Jewelry Gallery
Planet Earth Rising
Precious Gems Jewelers
Rainbow Bridge Jewelers
Vasiliy Watch, Clock and Jewelry Repair

Specialty Shops

Palladio

Greater Folsom also offers a huge selection of “shoppertunties”, featuring major retailers like Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Costco, Kohls, Pier One Imports, Old Navy, REI, and more. Explore the stores at these major shopping centers:

· Broadstone Marketplace

· Broadstone Plaza

· Folsom Premium Outlets

· Folsom Gateway

· Palladio

· Prairie City Crossing

· The Parkway

Dining

Whether you are hungry for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert, Historic Folsom offers a wide variety of dining options including California cuisine, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, pizza, delis and more. If cocktails are what you are seeking, discover Historic Folsom’s many taverns and wine bars.

Hacienda del Rio

Dining & Refreshments

The Black Rooster
Chicago Fire
Guidos Deli
Hacienda del Rio
Hop Sings Palace
Karen’s Bakery and Cafe
Karma Cafe
Maguro Japanese Cuisine & Bistro
Old Europe
Pizzeria Classico
Q'Bole Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Samuel Hornes Tavern
Sutter Street Grill

Chicago Pizza

Sutter Street Steakhouse
Thai Siam

Desserts & Confections

Karen’s Bakery and Cafe
Sassy Sweets by Monique
Snook’s Chocolate Factory

Spirits

Sam Hornes Tavern

Cellar Wine and Cheese Bar
Folsom Hotel and Saloon
Lockdown Brewing Co.
Old Europe
Petra Vineyard Wine Gallery
Powerhouse Pub
Samuel Hornes Tavern
Scarlet's Saloon
Sutter Club
Wine Styles

Beyond Historic Folsom, the area offers dining for every taste. There’s basic American fare, as well as Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean and Mexican, just to name a few. From premium national chains like BJ’s and Red Robin, to local favorites such as Mel’s, Fats Asia Bistro and Scott’s Seafood. If you’ve got a special craving, you can fill it in Folsom. Check out the full menu at this LINK.

Folsom Recreation: Let the Fun Begin!

For your entertainment

Historic Folsom is a destination with a wide variety venues for fun and entertainment. Cultural offerings include art galleries and live theatre, as well as nightclubs with live music and dancing. Local residents love the fact that there is always something going on – from festivals like the Annual Antique Peddler’s Fair, to farmers’ markets, to concerts like Folsom Live. There truly is something for everybody:

Folsom Live

Regular Events:

Annual Antique Peddlers Fair

Fabulous Fridays

Folsom Live

Night of a Thousand Pumpkins

Scarecrow Corral at Pioneer Village

Second Saturday

Spring Antique Fair

Sunday Farmers’ Market Graffiti Night

Official Christmas Tree Lighting

Three Stages

There are also all sorts of fun to be found in and around Folsom. Want to take in a show? Enjoy world-class entertainment at the Three Stages performing arts center; for more casual entertainment, catch a local theater production, or take in the latest movie at one of the area’s cinemas (including an IMAX); and for something completely different, check out the museum at historic Folsom State Prison, or sample sake and enjoy the Japanese gardens at the Gekkeikan Sake factory.

Outdoor Fun Around Folsom

With two major lakes in the area, three state parks, three golf courses and miles of biking/walking trails, Folsom offers year-round adventure (even some of the country’s best ski resorts are just over an hour away. The American River Bike Trail, a 33-mile paved path that connects to downtown Sacramento, starts in Historic Folsom (click HERE to for a map of the American River Bike Trail). The city of Folsom itself boasts more than 34 miles of beautiful paved trails for cyclists, walkers and joggers, with plans to add 20 miles over the next several years.

Folsom has something to offer every one of any age at any skill level:

Bicycling

BMX

Crew

Dog Parks

Fishing

Golf

Hiking

Jogging/Running

Kayaking

Motorcross

Mountain biking

Nature Walks

Sailing

Swimming

Skateboarding

Walking

Wildlife Viewing

Waterskiing

Historic Folsom Parks

Folsom Powerhouse State Park

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

Riley & Scott Streets

The Preserve

1200 Sutter Street

Granite Park

1005 Mormon Street

Folsom Garden Club Garden

1105 Natoma

Other recreational offerings around Folsom:

Folsom has 43 parks with over 300 developed acres, including:

Fido Field

20 baseball/softball fields

18 outdoor basketball courts

17 tennis courts

14 soccer fields

Fido Field, an off-leash dog park

Cummings Skate and Bike Park

Folsom Lake, Negro Bar and Lake Natoma State Parks are popular recreational areas for swimming and boating, drawing more than four million visitors a year.

Folsom Zoo Resident

The popular Folsom Zoo Sanctuary provides sanctuary to animals that were injured or orphaned in the wild. The educational focus of the Zoo provides a unique learning experience for the community.

The Lembi Park Aquatic Center is a year-round multi-use facility that offers recreational and competitive swimming, classes and special events such as “dive-in” movies. The Folsom Sports Complex provides indoor space for soccer, basketball, batting cages, volleyball, and special events.

Folsom: Your Jump-Off Point for Adventure

Conveniently located about 100 miles east of the Bay Area and 85 miles west of Lake Tahoe, Folsom is literally the center of activity in Northern California. Whether planning a day trip, or a weekend getaway, here are just a few of the adventures within a few hours Folsom:

Lake Tahoe

Napa Valley

Reno, Nevada

San Francisco/Bay Area

Yosemite National Park

Closer to Home

Sacramento

More than just our state’s capitol, Sacramento offers a plethora of entertainment venues. Take a tour of the capitol. Enjoy the history and shops of Old Sacramento. Take in a Broadway play at the Civic Center, or enjoy a local production at one of the many theatres. Explore the abundant shopping and dining choices. Don’t feel like driving? Catch the lightrail – it’ll take you straight to a day of fun and exploration.

Sutter's Mill

Gold Rush Country

Sutter’s Mill, the epicenter of the California Gold Rush, is outside of Coloma, just half an hour from Historic Folsom. Today, the site is enshrined within the beautiful Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. It’s a great place to learn more about our area’s rich history, or just enjoy a picnic or hike along the American River. Following the historic 49er Highway, you’ll discover a number of towns that maintain the flavor of the Gold Rush, including Placerville, Nevada City, Grass Valley, Angels Camp, Columbia, and Sonora.

Take a Chance at Our Local Casinos

Red Hawk Casino

Thunder Valley Casino • Resort

Folsom's Business Community

Folsom is a business-friendly community with built-in resources to help every business, large and small, start and maintain a vibrant business. Through the collaborative resources of the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, Folsom Economic Development Corporation (FEDCorp) and the City of Folsom, Folsom is dedicated to helping businesses succeed.

Folsom enjoys a robust business environment with more than 4,600 businesses licensed with the City of Folsom. Here’s a sampling of Folsom’s major employers:

Agilent Technologies – Instrumentation Manufacturer
Best Buy – Retailer
California Independent Service Operator – Utility (Power)
City of Folsom – Municipal Government
Costco – Wholesale Distributor
Folsom Cordova Unified School District – Education
Folsom Lake College – Education
Folsom State Prison – State of California
Fresh & Easy – Groceries
Green Acres – Garden Supply
Home Depot – Home & Garden Supply
Intel – High Tech
Jadoo Power Systems – Fuel Cell Manufacturer
Kaiser Permanente – Health Care Provider
Kindred Hospital – Health Care Provider
Kohl’s – Retailer
L3 Communications – Aerospace Systems Provider
Maximus – Government Consulting
Mercury Insurance – Insurance Provider
Mercy Hospital of Folsom – Health Care Provider
Numonyx – High Tech
Raley’s/Bel Air – Groceries
Safeway – Groceries
Target – Retailer
Lowes – Home & Garden Supply
Verizon – Telecommunications
WalMart – Retailer
Whole Foods – Groceries

Civic Organizations

Fraternal Order of Eagles

American Legion Post 362

Chabad Jewish Community Center of Folsom

Elks Lodge of Folsom No. 2735

Folsom Chamber of Commerce

Folsom Garden Club

Folsom Lake Community Concert Association

Folsom Symphony

Folsom Patrons of the Arts

Folsom Quilt and Fiber Guild

Folsom Women's Service Club

Friends of Folsom Parkways

Friends of the Folsom Zoo

Kiwanis Club of Folsom Lake

Folsom City Host Lions Club

Folsom Lake Lions Club

Rotary Club of Historic Folsom

Old Town Talkers Toastmasters

VFW Post 6604

Planning & Development

Historic Folsom is in the final phases of revitalization. The older Sutter Street shopping was completed in 2011, and work is under way for a new outdoor amphitheater (opening April 2012), as well as new shops and housing on the southern end of Sutter Street.

Sutter Row Restaurants

Sutter Row Shops

Undeveloped Commercial & Industrial Land Inventory

As of August 2009, Folsom had approximately 302 acres of undeveloped commercial and industrial property within the City’s boundaries. There is also a variety of commercial and office space available.

Sphere of Influence (SOI)

In June 2005 the City Council selected a preferred land use plan for the Sphere of Influence (SOI) area south of Highway 50 and directed staff to prepare the environmental documents required for annexation. The SOI encompasses 3,600 acres bounded by Highway 50, Prairie City Road, White Rock Road and the El Dorado County line.

In June 2006, the landowners for the SOI area unveiled their proposed land use plan. The plan includes over 1,000 acres for open space, 130 acres of parks, 500 acres designated for commercial, office, and retail use, and over 1,400 acres set aside for residential use. (See following exhibit).

Approximately 30 percent of the area would be maintained as open space to preserve oak woodlands and creek corridors.

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