This 200-page photo-illustrated booster book was published in 1894, and revised in 1895, by one of the leading Sacramento daily newspapers, the Bee, to promote the valley county, especially its diverse and growing agricultural industries. It begins with a laudatory poem, a set of statistics to impress the reader, and summary of the area's mild climate. A brief review of local soils, water supplies, and irrigation systems begins the presentation of the agricultural prowess and potential of the county.
The agricultural sectors are described in turn: fruit-growing, vineyards, vegetables, and hops. Particular attention is paid to the orchards of the Delta, and photos of many farm homes are scattered throughout these sections. The citrus and other crops of the American River District come next, and then the Middle District (farther south and east) is covered. After touching on the picturesque elements of Sacramento County, the book tells of the successes of J. B. Haggin's horse breeding.
The middle one-third of the book describes and illustrates the history, civic accomplishments, and churches of the county, and includes an enthusiastic summary of the imminent delivery of electrical power for lighting and industrial uses. Beginning with the Southern Pacific Railroad shops, all the local industries and mercantile businesses are described.
Most of the final one-third of the book is devoted to the individuals, private organizations, and government that made Sacramento a prosperous community. Then the outlying towns and districts are presented: Folsom, Galt, Courtland, Elk Grove, Freeport, Isleton, Walnut Grove, Florin, and Grand Island. Over 350 photographs distributed throughout the book bring back the places and people of 1890s Sacramento County.
See the table of contents for this book for a listing chapters and illustrations.
Also included on this CD is a Bird's Eye View of Sacramento (circa 1900), in 36 panels. This panorama was also published by the Record-Union, and it features small engraved views of many of the buildings pictured in Sacramento Through the Camera.
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