Big Four House, Sacramento

The Big Four Building in Sacramento sits within the Old Sacramento State Historic Park and is part of the Old Sacramento National Historic District. Known today as the Big Four House, its history stretches back to the mid-19th century.

Initially, the site included three separate buildings built between 1851 and 1852 near the Sacramento River waterfront: the Stanford Building, the Huntington & Hopkins Building, and the Miller Building. The lower floors of these buildings housed various merchants, including Collis Huntington, Mark Hopkins Jr., Leland Stanford, and Charles Crocker. These four later became famous as "The Big Four," major figures in the creation of the First Transcontinental Railroad that linked California with the Eastern United States.

The second floor of these buildings was where The Big Four organized and ran the Central Pacific Railroad Company of California. This company played a crucial role in the design, construction, and operation of the western portion of the Transcontinental Railroad. Additionally, the Southern Pacific Railroad was also established here.

By 1878, the buildings were combined and expanded into one structure. Over the years, the Big Four House has been home to a variety of businesses, including the Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store, a bar and café, and a hotel on its second floor.

The historical importance of the Big Four House was formally acknowledged when it was designated a National Historic Landmark on July 4, 1961. It is also part of the Old Sacramento Historic District, which has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since October 15, 1966.

Today, the Big Four House stands as a lasting reminder of Sacramento's rich historical past and its significant role in the development of America's railroad system.