About Folsom, CA

Folsom, California is most commonly known for its famous Folsom Prison, which is also located in the county of Sacramento. According to the census that was taken in 2010, the population of Folsom was 72,203 people.

The namesake of Folsom is a man named Joseph Folsom who laid out the settlement that was to be known as Granite City. This settlement was primarily occupied by gold miners who were attempting to strike it rich in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada’s. The community of Folsom prospered as the result of the lobbying efforts of Mr. Folsom to build a railroad that connected Sacramento with Folsom. This was in spite of the fact that few people amassed much wealth. In 1855, Mr. Folsom passed away, and the name of Granite City was later changed to Folsom. During the 1980’s, the railroad was abandoned, although, 1n 2005, it opened up as the light rail service and the terminus of the Gold Line of Sacramento Regional Transit District. There were some gold rush era communities that are located within city limits of Folsom, that include Mormon Island, Salmon Falls, and Prairie City. However, these communities no longer exist.

When it was first incorporated, Folsom was home a considerable Chinese American community. However, in 1886, arsonists burned the Chinatown in Folsom to the ground. This forced the Chinese Americans out of Folsom.

In 1880, the Folsom Prison was established. This was when the Livermore family agreed with the state to donate property for the prison in exchange for labor by the prisoners. They planned to construct a hydroelectric dam on the American River for a sawmill. The Livermore family soon came to understand that the natural force of running water could provide sufficient power to transmit to Sacramento, and the Folsom Powerhouse, which is currently a National Historic Landmark, was opened, although the sawmill didn’t work out. When it was opened, it had the longest run of overhead electricity in the nation, which was some 22 miles long. Until 1952, the powerhouse remained in operation.

In 1956, the Folsom Dam was constructed, which provided much-needed water rights and flood control and for the Sacramento Valley. The construction of this dam also created Folsom Lake, which is one of the most popular lakes in Northern California. The dam is located on the southwestern corner of Folsom Lake. Folsom Lake is approximately 4.8 miles from Granite Bay to the southernmost point of Folsom Lake.
Folsom is home to the largest private employer in the Sacramento region, which is known as the Intel Corporation. In addition, Folsom is also home to the Vista del Lago High School, Folsom High School, Folsom Lake, the Folsom Dam, and the Folsom Lake College.

Folsom is also the home of some 32 miles of hiking and biking trails that includes the Willow Creek-Humbug Trail. This specific trail system follows both Willow and Humbug Creeks, and runs through many traces of riparian forests, and dredge tailings. Other trails include the Oak Parkway Trail, the Folsom Lake trail, as well as the Folsom Rail Trail. Folsom is also the end location of the American River Bike Trail, which begins in Sacramento.

The Folsom Lake Recreational Area has several different hiking and off road biking trails. Some of the more popular trails include the Rattlesnake Bar Horseshoe Bar Trail, the Sweetwater Trail, the Pioneer Express trail, and the American River Trail. These trails range from two to ten miles of hiking trails and are rather strenuous. They offer some incredible views of wildlife, the surrounding vegetation and trees, as well as Folsom Lake.

Folsom is an ideal place to live, work, play, visit, and raise a family.