Background

One of the worst epidemics of Asiatic Cholera anywhere occurred in Sacramento in the fall of 1850. At this point in history, germ theory had yet to be discovered, and no one knew what caused cholera or how it was transferred, but there was no mistaking what it was. A victim would be well, then suddenly collapse with abrupt onset of profuse watery diarrhea and gushing vomiting, followed by death within a few hours from dehydration and acidosis.

On October 8, a passenger on the “New World,” a ship docked in Sacramento, emerged and collapsed on the wharf, sparking an epidemic that killed nearly 1000 people in less than three weeks. Thousands fled in panic, leaving the stricken behind. Of the nearly 40 physicians practicing here at the time, 17 died, making this the highest mortality on record for physicians caring for victims of an epidemic.

With few exceptions, victims were buried in mass graves. Of the 17 physicians who died of cholera while caring for the victims of the epidemic, only one of the 17 is notably buried in Sacramento’s Old City Cemetery. Some speculation has been made that they may possibly be buried under a section of Broadway, since a portion of the cemetery was used for street expansion.

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