Progress of Democracy, Sacramento, 1890

Originally horse-powered, Sacramento’s trolleys went electric in 1890 when electricity became available for mass transportation.

Signaling a new era of modern progress, the electric trolleys serve their areas with speed and efficiency. Here, the Number 12 Trolley is depicted making its way to the State Capitol building on a brisk autumn day.

In 1860, construction began on the California’s neoclassical State Capitol building. Despite being unfinished – it was officially completed in 1874 – the building was occupied by the state legislature in 1869.

In 1895, the transmission of electricity became public and buildings, like the State Capitol, were wired for the future.