122 May 21, 2015


Surrounding areas near American River are a popular trail-riding spot for equestrians from Elk Grove.


Horsetowns: Elk Grove


Elk Grove has grew into a suburb with Old Town areas. Folsom Lake (below) is another favorite spot for equestrians.


From Gold Rush to Horse Rush


Elk Grove grows into a modern suburb while retaining Old Town atmosphere by audrey pavia for the horsetrader E


LK GROVE—In the shadow of the state capitol, nestled in the Sacramento Valley, lies one of the fastest growing cities in California. Dubbed Elk Grove back in 1850, this once small


town has become a bustling bedroom community to the capitol city. Long before suburbanites began moving to Elk Grove by the


thousands in the 1980s, Elk Grove was a rural community that made its mark on California history. In 1846, the American con- quest of California began here when American set lers, led by Ezekial Merrit, overcame Mexican soldiers who were serving under


Lieutenant Francisco Acre. Merrit’s men took the soldiers’ horses from a corral at Murphy Ranch, on the north bank of the Cosumnes River, leaving them helpless. The ranch where all this took place still stands as a historic landmark in Elk Grove. A few years later, Elk Grove became well known as a stage stop


during the Gold Rush. Hotels were established for travelers on their way to Sut er’s Mill, only 15 miles away. Thousands who sought the Mother Lode stopped in this tiny community and eventually made it their home. It wasn’t long before entertainment, mail service and agriculture were all part of life in Elk Grove.


Horsetown Highlights: Elk Grove


• Population: 161,007 (2013) • County: Sacramento • Avg. High Temp: 76° F • Avg. Low Temp: 46° F • Avg. Annual Rainfall: 22 inches


• Elevation: 11 feet


• Median Home Price: approx. $400,000


• Popular Horse Activities in Town: Western Festival Parade; horse shows in all disciplines


• Compelling Horsetown Features: Brookside Equestrian Park, Starr Vaughn Equestrian Center; proximity to Folsom Lake and American River trails


Don Mace photo


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129