FOLSOM has a rich history, dating back to its days as an early gold mining town along the American River. The progressive nature of FOLSOM currently could give the impression of a relatively new city but, in fact, FOLSOM is one of the older cities in Northern California and is very proud of its past.

Originally a gold mining town, and the site of the first passenger rail system west of the Rockies, Folsom is steeped in a rich and colorful history. The Historic District -- or Old Town as it is also called -- consists of fine homes and historic landmarks from this era, as well as the city's original downtown, now an eclectic collection of antique stores, gift shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

The first known European to explore the area we now call FOLSOM came with a company of trappers in April of 1827. Prior to that the only people here were the Maidu Indians. Fur trapping was the primary occupation until gold was discovered in 1848, about 20 miles to the north at Sutter's Mill. After the discovery of gold, many communities sprung up along the American River, including Mormon Island, Negro Bar and Prairie City.

Joseph Libby Folsom acquired the land in the area and hired engineer Theodore Judah to survey it for a railway and a township to be called Granite City. Unfortunately, Folsom died in 1855 before he could see the development of his property. The town was renamed in his honor. He died the year before the Sacramento Valley Railroad sent the first train west of the Rockies from Sacramento to FOLSOM on September 22, 1856.

With the completion of the railroad, FOLSOM became a transportation hub to the Mother Lode with stage and freight lines meeting the train. Sutter Street was a center for hotels and commerce. From July 10, 1860 until July of 1861, FOLSOM became the western terminus for the Pony Express. During the gold rush, people came from all over the world to FOLSOM. In fact, in the 1860's FOLSOM had one of the largest Chinese populations on the West Coast.

FOLSOM is bordered on the north by Folsom Lake, an 18,000-acre, man-made lake that draws more than four million visitors a year, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The town also is intersected by a wide stretch of the American River called Lake Natoma, which is ringed by walking, biking, and equestrian trails. Both bodies of water are places to sail a boat, catch a fish, or find a quiet, sandy spot to swim or sunbathe. FOLSOM has miles of preserved wetlands and creeks, also bordered by developed trails, rolling hills, and an abundance of beautiful views.

FOLSOM has an excellent public school system and an exceedingly low crime rate -- in fact, FOLSOM's crime rate is the lowest in all of Northern California, according to FBI and Department of Justice statistics. FOLSOM has a stable local economy, with the city maintaining balanced budgets, including surpluses and reserves over the past several years. City leaders are also widely respected for allowing business and residential development to proceed, but in a controlled and thoughtful manner.

These components have resulted in FOLSOM becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, with the population increasing from approximately 12,000 residents in the early 1980s to over 60,000 residents today.