BGuthrie Photos: CA -- Sacramento -- Capitol Park

CA -- Sacramento -- Capitol Park:

Bruce Guthrie Photos Home Page: [Click here] to go to Bruce Guthrie Photos home page.

Recognize anyone? If you recognize specific folks (or other stuff) and I haven't labeled them, please identify them for the world. Click the little pencil icon

underneath the file name (just above the picture). Spammers need not apply.

Copyrights: All pictures were taken by amateur photographer Bruce Guthrie (me!) who retains copyright on them. Free for non-commercial use with attribution. See the [Creative Commons] definition of what this means. "Photos (c) Bruce Guthrie" is fine for attribution. (Commercial use folks including AI scrapers can of course contact me.) Feel free to use in publications and pages with attribution but you don't have permission to sell the photos themselves. A free copy of any printed publication using any photographs is requested. Descriptive text, if any, is from a mixture of sources, quite frequently from signs at the location or from official web sites; copyrights, if any, are retained by their original owners.

Spiders: The system has identified your IP as being a spider. I love well-behaved spiders! They are, in fact, how most people find my site. Unfortunately, my network has a limited bandwidth and pictures take up bandwidth. Spiders ask for lots and lots of pages and chew up lots and lots of bandwidth which slows things down considerably for regular folk. To counter this, you'll see all the text on the page but the images are being suppressed. Also, a number of options like merges are being blocked for you. Note: Permission is NOT granted for spiders, robots, etc to use the site for AI-generation purposes. I'm excited for your ability to make revenue from my work but there's nothing in that for my human users or for me. If you are in fact human, please email me at guthrie.bruce@gmail.com and I can check if your designation was made in error. Given your number of hits, that's unlikely but what the hell.

Help? The Medium (Email) links are for screen viewing and emailing. You'll want bigger sizes for printing. [Click here for additional help]

Share: Facebook Twitter Digg
[1] CAPPK_140718_01.JPG	[2] CAPPK_140718_04.JPG	[3] CAPPK_140718_06.JPG
[4] CAPPK_140718_09.JPG	[5] CAPPK_140718_12.JPG	[6] CAPPK_140718_15.JPG
[7] CAPPK_140718_18.JPG	[8] CAPPK_140718_20.JPG	[9] CAPPK_140718_22.JPG
[10] CAPPK_140718_25.JPG	[11] CAPPK_140718_29.JPG	[12] CAPPK_140718_37.JPG
[13] CAPPK_140718_38.JPG	[14] CAPPK_140718_47.JPG	[15] CAPPK_140718_48.JPG
[16] CAPPK_140718_49.JPG	[17] CAPPK_140718_51.JPG	[18] CAPPK_140718_52.JPG
[19] CAPPK_140718_54.JPG	[20] CAPPK_140718_56.JPG	[21] CAPPK_140718_57.JPG
[22] CAPPK_140718_59.JPG	[23] CAPPK_140718_66.JPG	[24] CAPPK_140718_70.JPG
[25] CAPPK_140719_003.JPG	[26] CAPPK_140719_006.JPG	[27] CAPPK_140719_008.JPG
[28] CAPPK_140719_027.JPG	[29] CAPPK_140719_037.JPG	[30] CAPPK_140719_048.JPG
[31] CAPPK_140719_054.JPG	[32] CAPPK_140719_057.JPG	[33] CAPPK_140719_066.JPG
[34] CAPPK_140719_070.JPG	[35] CAPPK_140719_073.JPG	[36] CAPPK_140719_076.JPG
[37] CAPPK_140719_079.JPG	[38] CAPPK_140719_084.JPG	[39] CAPPK_140719_087.JPG
[40] CAPPK_140719_091.JPG	[41] CAPPK_140719_094.JPG	[42] CAPPK_140719_099.JPG
[43] CAPPK_140719_102.JPG	[44] CAPPK_140719_105.JPG	[45] CAPPK_140719_114.JPG
[46] CAPPK_140719_117.JPG	[47] CAPPK_140719_121.JPG	[48] CAPPK_140719_124.JPG
[49] CAPPK_140719_127.JPG	[50] CAPPK_140719_129.JPG	[51] CAPPK_140719_132.JPG
[52] CAPPK_140719_138.JPG	[53] CAPPK_140719_141.JPG	[54] CAPPK_140719_148.JPG
[55] CAPPK_140719_159.JPG	[56] CAPPK_140719_162.JPG	[57] CAPPK_140719_167.JPG
[58] CAPPK_140719_170.JPG	[59] CAPPK_140719_178.JPG	[60] CAPPK_140719_181.JPG
[61] CAPPK_140719_191.JPG

Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. CAPPK_140718_06.JPG: Our memory of those lost on September 11th, 2001 shall remain as permanent as our freedom.
2. CAPPK_140718_09.JPG: California State Capitol Park HISTORY When Spanish governors ruled the California territory, its capitol was moved from town to town between San Diego and Monterey. San Jose had already been designated the capitol by the time California was granted statehood in 1850. In the next four years, Vallejo and Benicia took turns at that honor. In 1854 Sacramento became the home of the legislature. Though several cities were vying to become the permanent capitol, Sacramento's claim was made secure in 1860 when the legislature accepted an offer of four city blocks for the Capitol site. By the year's end, ground had been broken for a magnificent Capitol building, 320 feet long, 164 feet wide, and 120 feet high. Designed by architect M.F. Butler, the building was in the popular classical revival style that reflected the young nation's idealistic admiration of Greek democracy and Roman republicanism. In 1869 the new Capitol was ready for the legislature's first meeting, although construction continued until 1874. Throughout the years, the interior was often remodeled to meet the legislatures' needs for even more space. At last the structure could no longer accommodate the lawmakers of the rapidly growing state. Between 1918 and 1951, the East Wing was added to house the governor's suite and other legislative offices, and the original building became known as the "Old Capitol." An edifice should be constructed…satisfactory of the grandeur of the coming time…surrounded by grounds…with a beauty and luxuriousness that no other capitol can boast." Governor Leland Stanford, 1863 CAPITOL RESTORATION The architects of the Capitol designed an interior in harmony with its exterior. Both the Roman-Corinthian fa�ade and the Renaissance-Revival chambers were intended to remind legislators and visitors of the lofty political ideals of earlier centuries. In 1906, the interior underwent its first remodeling, approved by legislators desperate for space and more concerned with function than symbolism. By the 1930s, after successive remodeling projects, the Capitol interior had become a hive of small undistinguished offices. Then in 1972 the Old Capitol was found structurally unsafe and, rather than approve construction of a new structure, legislators voted for a complete restoration. Between 1976 and 1982, the Capitol was rebuilt from the walls in. For six years, researchers, architects, artisans, and skilled workers rehabilitated the exterior and reconstructed the interior as it had been between 1900 and 1910. Painstakingly, they revived old crafts of mural painting, plaster decoration, mosaic tile setting, and metal work. In addition to restored legislative chambers and offices, the project produced an exhibit documenting Capitol history and a 9-room museum where visitors can view executive offices as they appeared around the turn of the century. Two free tours, one of historic offices and one of the Capitol building, are available every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. CAPITOL PARK Capitol Park is considered one of the most beautiful state capitol grounds in the nation. Covering 40 acres, it contains species of plant life from nearly every part of the globe. Park beautification began in 1869. During the following years, land was graded, and enriched with silt from the Sacramento River. Eight hundred trees and flowering shrubs were planted, representing over two hundred native, and exotic varieties. The park was laid out in typical Victorian style, with long lanes leading between beds of vivid annuals. Over time, the face of the park has been changed by both historic events and horticultural inspiration. Thus, the Civil War left its imprint in the peaceful Memorial Grove where saplings were transplanted from different battle sites, and enthusiasm of California schoolchildren produced the section containing the cactus garden. The names of many plants had been forgotten by 1905 when horticulturalists began the task of identifying and labeling the varieties, thereby establishing a practice which continues today. These labels provide information about the more than 450 varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers that thrive in Sacramento rich soil and warm climate. Tickets for free park tours are offered from Mother's Day to Labor Day and may be obtained in the tour office of the State Capitol Museum.
3. CAPPK_140718_12.JPG: HISTORY When Spanish governors ruled the California territory, its capitol was moved from town to town between San Diego and Monterey. San Jose had already been designated the capitol by the time California was granted statehood in 1850. In the next four years, Vallejo and Benicia took turns at that honor. In 1854 Sacramento became the home of the legislature. Though several cities were vying to become the permanent capitol, Sacramento's claim was made secure in 1860 when the legislature accepted an offer of four city blocks for the Capitol site. By the year's end, ground had been broken for a magnificent Capitol building, 320 feet long, 164 feet wide, and 120 feet high. Designed by architect M.F. Butler, the building was in the popular classical revival style that reflected the young nation's idealistic admiration of Greek democracy and Roman republicanism. In 1869 the new Capitol was ready for the legislature's first meeting, although construction continued until 1874. Throughout the years, the interior was often remodeled to meet the legislatures' needs for even more space. At last the structure could no longer accommodate the lawmakers of the rapidly growing state. Between 1918 and 1951, the East Wing was added to house the governor's suite and other legislative offices, and the original building became known as the "Old Capitol." An edifice should be constructed…satisfactory of the grandeur of the coming time…surrounded by grounds…with a beauty and luxuriousness that no other capitol can boast." Governor Leland Stanford, 1863 CAPITOL RESTORATION The architects of the Capitol designed an interior in harmony with its exterior. Both the Roman-Corinthian fa�ade and the Renaissance-Revival chambers were intended to remind legislators and visitors of the lofty political ideals of earlier centuries. In 1906, the interior underwent its first remodeling, approved by legislators desperate for space and more concerned with function than symbolism. By the 1930s, after successive remodeling projects, the Capitol interior had become a hive of small undistinguished offices. Then in 1972 the Old Capitol was found structurally unsafe and, rather than approve construction of a new structure, legislators voted for a complete restoration. Between 1976 and 1982, the Capitol was rebuilt from the walls in. For six years, researchers, architects, artisans, and skilled
4. CAPPK_140718_15.JPG: workers rehabilitated the exterior and reconstructed the interior as it had been between 1900 and 1910. Painstakingly, they revived old crafts of mural painting, plaster decoration, mosaic tile setting, and metal work. In addition to restored legislative chambers and offices, the project produced an exhibit documenting Capitol history and a 9-room museum where visitors can view executive offices as they appeared around the turn of the century. Two free tours, one of historic offices and one of the Capitol building, are available every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. CAPITOL PARK Capitol Park is considered one of the most beautiful state capitol grounds in the nation. Covering 40 acres, it contains species of plant life from nearly every part of the globe. Park beautification began in 1869. During the following years, land was graded, and enriched with silt from the Sacramento River. Eight hundred trees and flowering shrubs were planted, representing over two hundred native, and exotic varieties. The park was laid out in typical Victorian style, with long lanes leading between beds of vivid annuals. Over time, the face of the park has been changed by both historic events and horticultural inspiration. Thus, the Civil War left its imprint in the peaceful Memorial Grove where saplings were transplanted from different battle sites, and enthusiasm of California schoolchildren produced the section containing the cactus garden. The names of many plants had been forgotten by 1905 when horticulturalists began the task of identifying and labeling the varieties, thereby establishing a practice which continues today. These labels provide information about the more than 450 varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers that thrive in Sacramento rich soil and warm climate. Tickets for free park tours are offered from Mother's Day to Labor Day and may be obtained in the tour office of the State Capitol Museum.
5. CAPPK_140718_22.JPG: I figured Governor Arnold had been doing body-building exercises for the squirrels too. Big fella!
6. CAPPK_140718_25.JPG: The shadow creeps and creeps and is always looking over the shoulder of sunshine
7. CAPPK_140718_37.JPG: Supreme Court Justice Stanley Mosk (1912-2001) Legal and executive secretary to Governor 1939-1942 Judge Los Angeles Superior Court 1943-1959 California Attorney General 1959-1964 Associate Justice California Supreme Court 1964-2001 Guardian of the law and defender of civil rights and civil liberties.
8. CAPPK_140718_48.JPG: Sisters of Mercy During the Gold Rush Days of 1857, the Sisters of Mercy came to Sacramento to care for the children of the miners and to serve the sick and the homeless. In those early days, the Sisters purchased land in the heart of the city to build a school. Passage of the "Capital Bill", in 1860 resulted in the sale of that property to the State for its original price of $4,850. This is now the site of the State Capital Building. The Sisters of Mercy have made significant contributions to the history and progress of the State of California. Their mission to care for the sick, the poor, the elderly and the uneducated continues today throughout the world.
9. CAPPK_140718_49.JPG: Sisters of Mercy During the Gold Rush Days of 1857, the Sisters of Mercy came to Sacramento to care for the children of the miners and to serve the sick and the homeless. In those early days, the Sisters purchased land in the heart of the city to build a school. Passage of the "Capital Bill", in 1860 resulted in the sale of that property to the State for its original price of $4,850. This is now the site of the State Capital Building. The Sisters of Mercy have made significant contributions to the history and progress of the State of California. Their mission to care for the sick, the poor, the elderly and the uneducated continues today throughout the world.
10. CAPPK_140718_51.JPG: Sisters of Mercy Arrival in Sacramento, October 2, 1857 This sculpture commemorates the 160th anniversary of the Sisters of Mercy caring for those in need in the greater Sacramento region. Mary Baptist Russell, California Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, is depicted here as a woman of vision, courage and compassion, blazing the trail for her companions and followers as they bring hope and healing to those in need. The works of the Sisters of Mercy are based on the vision of their foundress, Catherine McAuley, who sought to connect the rich to the poor, the healthy to the sick, and the educated to the uninstructed Dedicated by Mercy Foundation on September 29, 2007 Created by artist Ruth Coelho
11. CAPPK_140718_54.JPG: It's interesting how flash impacts the color of things
12. CAPPK_140718_70.JPG: Dedicated To You, A Free Citizen In A Free Land This reproduction of the Liberty Bell was presented to the people of California by direction of The Honorable John W. Snyder Secretary of Treasury As the inspirational symbol of the United States Savings Bonds Independence Drive from May 15 to July 4, 1950. It was displayed in every part of the State The Dimensions and tone are identical with those of the original Liberty Bell when it rang out our independence in 1776 In standing before this symbol, you have the opportunity to dedicate yourself, as did our founding fathers, to the principles of the individual freedom for which our nation stands. This bell is one of fifty-three cast in France in 1950, and given to the United States Government by: American Smelting and Refining Company * Miami Copper Company Anaconda Mining Company * Phelps Dodge Corporation Kennecott Copper Corporation * The American Metal Company, Limited Steel Supports by U.S. Steel Corporation's American Bridge Company Plaque by Revere Copper and Brass Incorporated.
13. CAPPK_140719_008.JPG: "Is the world a better place because you were here?" "Did you make a difference?" B.T. As you sit and gaze at the memorial, think of Brien Thomas Collins, who with special grace and fare courage, reminded us of what we could be. B.T. as he was best known, lost an arm and leg while serving as a tactical commander of a Mobile Guerrilla Force in the 5th Special Forces group during his 2nd tour of duty in the Vietnam War, the crucible of his life. A graduate of Santa Clara University and Santa Clara University School of Law, He served three California Governors with loyalty and distinction: Jerry Brown, George Deukmejian and Pete Wilson as well as State Treasurer Tom Hayes. He was Chief of Staff to a Governor, a Chief Deputy State Treasurer, and Directors of both the California Conservation Corps and the California Youth Authority. As a member of the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission, B.T. spearheaded the effort to build the memorial before you. He was elected to the California Assembly in 1991. For B.T., public service was a noble job and never wavered in the belief that one should give something back to society. B.T. inspired people with his leadership, courage, wit and outrageous behavior. He never stopped giving his time, his money and ultimately his health for others. We are all made better by his spirit, his generosity, and fearless approach to life. October 17, 1940 - March 19, 1993
14. CAPPK_140719_070.JPG: Sisters of Mercy During the Gold Rush Days of 1857, the Sisters of Mercy came to Sacramento to care for the children of the miners and to serve the sick and the homeless. In those early days, the Sisters purchased land in the heart of the city to build a school. Passage of the "Capital Bill", in 1860 resulted in the sale of that property to the State for its original price of $4,850. This is now the site of the State Capital Building. The Sisters of Mercy have made significant contributions to the history and progress of the State of California. Their mission to care for the sick, the poor, the elderly and the uneducated continues today throughout the world.
15. CAPPK_140719_073.JPG: Sisters of Mercy Arrival in Sacramento, October 2, 1857 This sculpture commemorates the 160th anniversary of the Sisters of Mercy caring for those in need in the greater Sacramento region. Mary Baptist Russell, California Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, is depicted here as a woman of vision, courage and compassion, blazing the trail for her companions and followers as they bring hope and healing to those in need. The works of the Sisters of Mercy are based on the vision of their foundress, Catherine McAuley, who sought to connect the rich to the poor, the healthy to the sick, and the educated to the uninstructed Dedicated by Mercy Foundation on September 29, 2007 Created by artist Ruth Coelho
16. CAPPK_140719_105.JPG: In honor of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger He came to California as the Austrian Oak and this California Oak represents the strong, inspiring, magnificent force he was for millions of Californians. He worked to serve the people of California and fought to preserve the Golden State for future generations. This mighty Oak stands as a tribute to the strength he brought to his service as California's Governor. With love from your family
17. CAPPK_140719_117.JPG: USC & GS 1888
18. CAPPK_140719_121.JPG: In Recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Peace with Japan Signed on September 5, 1951
19. CAPPK_140719_129.JPG: This tree is dedicated to Marie Kiene Dunphy who in July 1945 on the site now occupied by the Governor's Office promised to marry Dean Dunphy, who later served as the Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing in the Wilson Administration. May 1997
20. CAPPK_140719_132.JPG: Pioneer Camellia Grove Established as a living memorial to the early builders of California in recognition of their courage, determination & contribution toward progress in the community & our golden state. Dedicated June 7, 1953 by the Sacramento County Parlors of the Native Sons & Daughters of the Golden West.
AAA "Gem": AAA considers this location to be a "must see" point of interest. To see pictures of other areas that AAA considers to be Gems, click here.
Wikipedia Description: California State Capitol Museum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The California State Capitol Museum comprises a museum in and grounds around the California State Capitol in Sacramento, California, USA. The building has been the home of the California State Legislature since 1869. The building underwent a major renovation, known as the California State Capitol Restoration, from 1975 until 1982 to restore the Capitol to its former beauty and to retrofit the structure for earthquake safety. Although not generally considered earthquake country, Sacramento was hit by two earthquakes within days of each other in 1892 which damaged the Capitol. The State Capitol Museum has been a property in the California state park system since 1982.

Capitol Park

There are 40 acres (16 ha) of gardens in the surrounding Capitol Park, including trees and shrubs from around the world. There are approximately 1140 trees in the park (not including shrubs) representing over 200 types of trees.

The grounds also feature approximately 155 memorials to significant events and people involving California, and other points-of-interest. Only a selection are listed below, grouped by section, roughly from west to east (9th Street to 15th Street), and then from north (L Street) to south (N Street) within each section:

Between 9th and 10th streets:

The Earl Warren Walk, dedicated to the former Governor and Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, marks the path he wore on his walks from the Capitol to the Sutter Club.
El Soldado Tribute to Mexican American Soldiers of World War II, created at the behest of the Sociedad de Madres Mexicanas, Gold Star mothers.
The California Peace Officer's Memorial, honoring those officers who have died in the line of duty and remembering those they left behind.

Between 10th and 11th streets:

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 872, denoting the Capitol Complex as landmark.
The Great Seal of the State of California, cast in bronze and placed at the west steps in 1952, was followed by the Native American and Spanish-Mexican Commemorative seals in 2002.
The Capitol Cornerstone, near the north entrance, placed in 1978 to replace the original 1861 cornerstone.
The Apollo 14 Moon Tree, planted as a sapling in 1976 that was grown from a seed (among hundreds) carried by command module pilot Stuart Roosa during the 1971 mission.
The Sisters of Mercy Memorial, honoring the religious order which arrived in Sacramento in 1857 to care for the children of miners and to serve the sick and homeless. The land they purchased for the site of a school eventually became the site of the Capitol.
The September 11 Memorial, including a plaque and three rose bushes, dedicated on the one year anniversary of the attacks.
The California Civil War Veterans plaque, located at the east entrance, dedicated in 1963 to California veterans of that conflict.
The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Marker, placed in 1888, is located at 38�34'35"N by 121�29'33"W.
The Senator Capitol Kitty Memorial, remembering the beloved feline resident of Capitol Park.

Between 11th and 12th streets:

The Pioneer Camellia Grove created in 1942 by the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West in tribute to the pioneers of the city and county of Sacramento.
A life-sized statue of Father Jun�pero Serra, a Roman Catholic missionary sent by Spain to help colonize California. At its base is a map of California's 21 missions, from San Diego to Sonoma.
Behind Father Serra stands an El Camino Real Commemorative Bell, placed by the California Federation of Women's Clubs and the California State Automobile Association to celebrate the placing of the original bells along the route in 1906 by the CFWC.
The Civil War Memorial Grove planted in 1897 with saplings from famous Civil War battlefields.
Within the grove stands the Reverend Thomas Starr King Memorial, originally one of two statues representing California in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol, but replaced in 2009 by Governor and President Ronald Reagan.
The Spanish War Veterans Memorial, commonly called "The Hiker," after the appearance of the uniform.
The ship's bell from USS California, the only dreadnaught-type battleship built on the Pacific Coast. Sunk at Pearl Harbor, she was raised, refitted, and rejoined the fleet in 1944.
The reproduction of the Liberty Bell, one of fifty-three replicas cast in 1953 as part of a nationwide savings bond drive.
The World War I Memorial Trees, planted in 1921 in memory of the unknown first California soldier to die in that conflict.
The Governor Hiram W. Johnson Memorial Parkway, dedicated to the progressive and conservationist Governor.
The California Department of Transportation Highway Workers Memorial, remembering those CalTrans workers killed in work-related incidents.
Y-ET-IM TEH-LEI-LI California Indian Grinding Rock

Between 13th and 14th streets:

The Insectary, constructed in 1908 as a research facility, is now used as a service area for the Department of General Services groundskeeping crew.
The California Firefighters Memorial erected to honor the fallen firefighter.
The California Veterans Memorial, a granite obelisk honoring California Veterans from the Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War.
By the Veterans Memorial stands the Purple Heart Monument, in honor of those veterans killed, wounded, or disabled in combat.

Between 14th and 15th streets:

The California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with life-size bronze figures of service men and women depicting military life in Vietnam and featuring engravings of names of Californians killed or missing in action.
The World Peace Rose Garden, a 0.42 acre garden with about 650 roses in over 140 varieties of colors and fragrances on display.
The California Native Plant Section, created in 1911 with the efforts of the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West, planted almost exclusively with flora native to the state.
Bigger photos? To save server space, the full-sized versions of these images have either not been loaded to the server or have been removed from the server. (Only some pages are loaded with full-sized images and those usually get removed after three months.) I still have them though. If you want me to email them to you, please send an email to guthrie.bruce@gmail.com and I can email them to you, or, depending on the number of images, just repost the page again will the full-sized images.
Connection Not Secure messages? Those warnings you get from your browser about this site not having secure connections worry some people. This means this site does not have SSL installed (the link is http:, not https:). That's bad if you're entering credit card numbers, passwords, or other personal information. But this site doesn't collect any personal information so SSL is not necessary. Life's good!
Photo Contact: [Email Bruce Guthrie].