Folsom Powerhouse
By Craig Fraizer
25 July 2008
I recently spent some time wandering around at the Folsom Powerhouse. I had no idea what to expect, I didn't even know if it was open to visitors. But I had much of my gear in tow with high hopes. The entire site is so photographically rich and textured. The granite walls, black generators and instruments, and mix of lighting lend themselves nicely to black & white photography.
I learned about the history of the site from an interpretive guide who was present when I visited. Among the more interesting details was the fact that the massive steel penstocks were forged in Pennsylvania but too heavy to be brought to California over land. Instead they were shipped from the East Coast, making the long journey around Cape Horn before reaching their final destination in Folsom. Also, the plant was able to deliver electricity to the Sacramento area 22 miles away which at the time was the longest transmission of hydroelectric power in the world. It has been a state historical site since the 1950s, and a national historical landmark since 1981, and is located in the old town section of Folsom, California.
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