The California Gold Rush helped lead to the creation of the City of Sacramento — something you can read more about in our history of New Helvetia. — but you might not know that we aren’t the only city to form with the name Sacramento.
Today we’re highlighting Sacs from around the world + sharing a few facts about each.
Sacramento, Kentucky
A settlement first known as Crossroads, this Kentucky town in McLean County was renamed Sacramento in 1854 + incorporated into the county six years later. A highway marker was erected in 1962 to observe the Civil War-era Battle of Sacramento — something residents + visitors alike took delight in reenacting every year until it was permanently canceled in 2021 after a 25 year run.
Sacramento, New Mexico
Although this Otero County community only has a population of ~86 people, it lies in the 85-mile stretch of the Sacramento Mountains. This mountain range, which has portions comprising the Lincoln National Forest, is the only home of the endangered Sacramento prickly poppy, Sacramento Mountains thistle + checkerspot butterfly.
Sacramento, Nebraska
Established sometime between 1876-1878 with a population of ~200, Sacramento was one of the first towns to emerge in Nebraska’s Phelps County. Today, the unincorporated community — called a ghost town by many — is known for a steakhouse called The Speakeasy that serves a haute cuisine menu in a rustic-looking setting.
Sacramento, Mexico
Nestled in the state of Coahuila, the town was originally founded as Villa Nueva in 1842. Legend has it that its name was changed to Sacramento — which means “sacrament” in Spanish — after the “Father of Mexican Independence” Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla officiated a mass at El Peñón on his way to Chihuahua.
But that’s not all: Although information may be limited, impress a friend or two by name dropping these other Sacramentos.
- Sacramento, Wisconsin
- Sacramento, Portugal
- Sacramento, Costa Rica
- Sacramento, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Sacramento, Pennsylvannia
