A Look Back
A leisurely drive along the meandering Sacramento River passes several small towns rich in early California history. Chief among these is Freeport, the beginning of the scenic route to the Delta - whose peaceful aura belies its boomtown past. In 1862, caught up in intrigue and backroom deals, Freeport became the connection with the main railroad line near Brighton. It flourished for a time as a major shipping center for the mines of the Gold Rush. Captain Sutter's was among the many ships that unloaded cargo here.
|
|
But just as suddenly as this Freeport boom started, it ceased. Most of the shipping activities stopped when a secret corporate maneuver by the railroad diverted the main terminal back to Sacramento. Freeport remained an agricultural center for many years, but gone were the exciting days of the Gold Rush. |
