established in 1924

North Sacramento was originally part of a 44,000-acre land grant made by the Spanish government to Eliab Grimes in 1844. Called Rancho Del Paso, its ownership changed hands several times until James Ben Ali Haggin acquired it in 1862. Haggin converted the ranch on the property into a thoroughbred horse-breeding farm, which earned international renown, producing California¹s first Kentucky Derby winner in 1886. The area of Del Paso Heights was pasture land for horses and cattle and a flood plain area through the 1800s.

Today, several streets in North Sacramento carry the names of Haggin’s racehorses: among them are Firenza, Cantalier, Dixieanne, Empress, Bassetlaw (now Arden Way), and Salvador.

In 1910, the North Sacramento Land Company bought about 4,000 acres of this property. Daniel Johnston developed neighborhoods (including Woodlake). Advertisements extolled the peaceful country life only ten minutes from Sacramento.

In 1915, Johnston laid out a streetcar line – the Sacramento Northern, connecting North Sacramento to Sacramento, which greatly increased the activity and population of the area. The first school was built in 1915 as part of the North Sacramento School District and by 1916 there were five schools. The North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1923, and helped to incorporate North Sacramento and form its first city Government on June 18th, 1924. Officially it was the Town of North Sacramento, a general law city of the State of California.

By 1930, North Sacramento was home to several large factories and plants, which employed many local residents. In 1934, the bridge between North Sacramento and Sacramento was widened to four lanes and Del Paso Boulevard (part of the Historic US 40 route also known regionally as the Lincoln Highway) become one of the most highly traveled roads in Northern California and the business center of North Sacramento. From 1926 to 1964, Route 40 was a transcontinental highway, and during the mid-1950’s it carried more automobile traffic than any other transcontinental highway.  In 1998, the California Legislature designated the remnants of Highway 40 as a historic route. There are historic markers along Del Paso Boulevard.

After 1948, when special lighting was installed on Del Paso Boulevard (one of Sacramento’s first lighted roads), which the Chamber of Commerce had raised the funding for, lead by then business activist Virgil Chapman. he City regularly hosted exuberant parades that attracted people from outside the neighborhood.  

The population of North Sacramento grew rapidly from 1950 to 1963 to more than 16,000 residents, including 25% growth from 1960 to 1963.  A strong commercial base, active citizens, and new homes were the pride of North Sacramento. 

In 1964, North Sacramento was annexed by the City of Sacramento in an election decided by a mere 6 votes.

In 1987, the North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce organized area businesses along Del Paso Boulevard, Arden Way and El Camino Avenue to form the Uptown Business Improvement District, one of Sacramento’s first, via a self assessment on their business to improve the image, cleanliness and activities in the area.  The Chamber continues to administer these funds today as a benefit to the community and business district. 

In 1992, North Sacramento (Uptown District) became a redevelopment area. The North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, along with residents and city leaders, began developing an arts and entertainment theme for the community. In 1993, the community worked with the American Institute of Architects to establish the North Sacramento Special Planning District.

In 1994, Woodlake residents formed Phantom Galleries to draw artists and exhibitions to North Sacramento.  It continues to promote emerging artists while enhancing North Sacramento with exhibits, mini-art Grants, and performances.

In 2005, the City formed the Del Paso Boulevard Property and Business Improvement District to help improve the commercial corridor district along Del Paso Boulevard in North Sacramento. It provides funding for image enhancement, security and safety, business advocacy, and economic development initiatives above and beyond those currently provided by the City of Sacramento