Folsom, California

Old Town Folsom	Originally part of the Leidsdorff land holdings, Folsom got its name from Joseph Folsom who succeeded Leidsdorff as land owner. Around 1850, Folsom was the site of an African-American gold mining claim, now known as Negro Bar. The original town was laid out in 1855 and named Folsom in 1856. With the coming of the Sacramento Valley Railroad, Folsom turned into a boom town, supplying nearby gold mining camps.
In 1893 the original Folsom Prison was completed. The Natoma Water and Mining Company changed the face of Folsom in 1899 with the introduction of dredger mining, which lasted almost 50 years. Today, you can see remnant river rock tailings of that process along Folsom Blvd..
Over 150 years from its inception, Folsom is a bustling community of 40,000 plus residents. Folsom blends the new with the old. Old Town Folsom remains with quaint shops and restaurants. Most of the rest of Folsom has been built in the last fifteen years. New and newer homes, ever expanding shops, stores, restaurants and office buildings. In Folsom you can work and shop a short drive, walk or bicycle ride away from home.	New Folsom High School
Lake Natoma facing East	Folsom offers abundant recreational opportunities. You can ride a bicycle anywhere in town along designated paths and lanes in city streets or take a bicycle trip along the American River all the way to Sacramento. Folsom borders two wonderful lakes, Lake Natoma and Folsom Lake. Lake Natoma is perfect for canoeing, kayaking or fishing. In addition there are beaches for sunbathing and swimming.
Folsom Lake offers additional water sports. In addition to fishing and swimming, you can water ski, and sail. If you prefer land based activities Folsom Lake offers hiking, camping, horse back riding and picnicking.
Folsom Lake

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