Adventure 051, Site 070 – Pioneer Hall

Capture California, the Game-2012

Adventure: 051, Site 070 – Pioneer Hall

Local Registry ID: Sacramento Historical Landmarks Commission on April 19, 1968

Team: Thing One, Thing Two

Date:  September 26, 2012

Location:

Address: 1011/1013 7^th St, Sacramento, CA

Description:

Date Built: 1868

Not a California or National Landmark, but when we saw it, we thought there was a story behind it. Then we saw the plaque and new that it had personality. We were looking for the Merchants Nation Bank building—which is right next door to this building, when we saw that it had a Sacramento Historical Marker on it. Hot diggety dog! Then we saw the name and wondered what did it mean?



The story goes back to the beginning of Sacramento. Brannan, Sutter, Marshall, DO Mills, and several of friends started the Pioneer Association—sort of a small club of prominent men-you also had to moved to California before 1850. Membership has come and gone as the pioneers have died off. Their descendent's could join, and now it is open to anyone with an interest in history. Over the years, tthe building became an eyesore and the association could no longer handle the building. A historical arm of the Planning Commission of Sacramento came forward, bought the building with the understanding that the Pioneer Association would lease it back and make the improvements. In 2015 the Pioneer Association will take back the Hall.



From the Walking Tour Pamphelet:

Pioneer Hall was built for the Sacramento Pioneer Association, a group of 70 people who immigrated to

California prior to 1850. It is the oldest Pioneer Hall in California and the oldest remaining commercial building in downtown Sacramento. The building’s architect was Nathaniel Goodell, who also designed the Governor’s Mansion and the Heilbron Mansion. The canopy over the sidewalk was once a common feature of downtown buildings.

References:

• Sacramento Pioneer Association – Hall History and Restoration
  
• Sacramento Pioneer Association – History
  
• Sacramento Heritage Walking Tour