Located in the Sierra Foothills of California, Lincoln came to be when Railway Engineer Theodore Judah made an astute investment in 1850, which later saw much potential from Colonel Charles “Lincoln” Wilson. Nearly seventy years later, after clay was discovered and Gladding McBean utilized their architectural terra cotta to build San Francisco’s buildings, Lincoln has become an important center with plenty of shops, restaurants, historical buildings, and cultural activities throughout the year.
Theodore Judah, an engineer for the Central California Railroad, made a wise investment in the 1850s when he bought the land around the base of the Sierra Foothills to move supplies to the gold mining areas. Though the railroad plans were eventually canceled, Colonel Charles “Lincoln” Wilson, president of the railroad, saw potential in the area and planned out the town of “Lincoln”, selling lots to make it a reality. In 1859, Lincoln officially became a recognized town. The remaining buildings from the 1860s-1900s are now the sites of restaurants, shops, and services, demonstrating the town’s enduring legacy.
By the early 1870s, a fine quality of clay was discovered around Lincoln. Charles Gladding, a sanitation contractor from Chicago, recognized the potential of this clay and raised $12,000 in gold with Peter McBean and George Chambers to buy land and build a sewer pipe manufacturing plant. The addition of architectural terra cotta made it possible for Gladding McBean to provide the decorative elements for most of the buildings in San Francisco. Today, Gladding McBean continues to be an integral part of Lincoln, providing extensive use of their architectural terra cotta in both old and new construction. Not only that, Lincoln is also home to America’s ClayFest, an international juried ceramic art show held annually in Beerman Plaza, as well as other events throughout the year.
Visitors to Lincoln can take a self-guided tour of Historic Downtown and experience the rich culture, history, and architecture that make up this vibrant city. Pick up an antique picture book of Historic Downtown Lincoln ($10) from the Lincoln Area Archives and Museum, 472 E Street (916) 253-9972; Sierra Hills Framing, Ste B, 531 G Street (916) 645-1644; or The Place! Gallery, 505 G Street, (916) 434-0505. Part of the proceeds will go to benefit the Lincoln Area Archives and Museum.
Getting to Lincoln’s Historic Downtown District
Located just 10 miles north of Roseville off Highway 65, travelers can reach the Historic Downtown District of Lincoln, California by taking Exit Lincoln Blvd and turning right onto 3rd Street. There is plenty of public parking available for visitors, including lots at 6th Street between G Street (Highway 65) and F Street, F Street between 6th & 7th Streets, E Street between 4th and 5th Streets, and curbside parking around town. Exploring the 8-square-block area is best done on foot.
Welcoming Well-Behaved Pets
Downtown is proud to welcome well-behaved pets, creating a pet-friendly atmosphere for all visitors.
Whit Lincoln is a charming historic town with deep roots in both railroad engineering and industrial clay deposits. Although much of its past glory and charming antiques are well-preserved, today’s residents live beside industry at Gladding McBean, proudly boasting their impressive installations across the region. Residents enjoy refreshing their knowledge of the city of Lincoln by visiting the local museums and participating in events like ClayFest. Lincoln remains as an everlasting reminder of the innovation and industriousness that shaped many of America’s cities.
