The 1854 Gazetteer of the United States by Thomas Baldwin shows:

SACRAMENTO, a county in the N. central part of California, has an area of about 900 square miles. It is bounded on the W. by the Sacramento river, on the S. by the San Joaquin and Moquelumne rivers and Dry creek, and intersected by the American river. The soil of this county is generally fertile, and, in proportion to its size, perhaps more extensively cultivated than that of any other county in the state. Barley, wheat, potatoes, hay, cattle, horses, swine, and garden produce are the staples. In 1852 there were raised 157,071 bushels of barley; 14,290 of wheat; 28,204 of potatoes; 10,042 tons of hay; and $339,682 worth of garden products. There were 3945 cows, 3718 beef cattle, and 4617 hogs. The amount invested in quartz mining was $124,165; in placer mining, $89,808; the value of stock was $1,335,698, and the value of agricultural products, $737,643. Gold is found, but not in great abundance. Capital, Sacramento City. Pop., 12,589.