About Galt, CA

Galt, California had a population of 23,647 people according the census that was taken in 2010. Galt is located in the county of Sacramento.

The history of Galt started in the Sacramento Valley during the days of the gold rush. Some farmers lived around the banks of a small stream, known as Dry Creek, near Galt in 1850. These farmers had plans were to grow dairy products as well as beef.

The Western Pacific Railroad Company laid out the settlement of Galt, during the year 1869. A local rancher named John McFarland provided the name of Galt after his home town in Canada. It was previously known as the Dry Creek Township after the stream by which they lived. The community was comprised of cattle ranchers, dairymen, and blacksmiths. The primary occupation was raising cattle.

Galt was constructed nearly completely out of wooden buildings. This was a significant problem for the community. However, several of the old original homes have been excellently preserved and remain standing all around the community.

Galt had a lawyer, three doctors, the Wells Fargo and Company Express Office, one meat market, two saloons, two shoe stores, two barber shops, one lively stable, one wood yard, one barley mill, two carriage and wagon repair shops, two blacksmith shops, one harness shop, one hotel, one variety store, and two general merchandise stores by1880.

By the early 1900’s, dairying and raising cattle declined, while agriculture was thriving. Wheat was the primary grain. Some of the most well-known farmers in the region were Richard Rude, John McCaulley, Dr. Harvey, Andrew Whitaker, and John McFarland.

In 1869, Galt was named after the former community of Galt, Canada, which is currently a portion of Cambridge, which is the hometown of John McFarland.

Galt is home to several civic clubs and groups. The Galt Area Historical Society has over 500 members, and is very active. The Performing Animal Welfare Society is a place where abused, abandoned, or retired performing animals and victims of the exotic animal trade can live in contentment and peace. The Galt Lions Club is part of Lions International and assists the local visually impaired restore their vision. They meet the 4th and 2nd Thursday of each month at Papa’s Pizzeria at 7:00 P. M. Galt is also well-known for the Flea Market, which is called the Galt Market.

Among the landscapes in California, the Cosumnes River country is a very special place in the community of Galt. The Cosumnes River Preserve was established in order to safeguard the majority of that landscape.

Galt hosts a yearly winter bird festival, at the same time as the Cosumnes River Preserve, as many winter birds are active in and around the community of Galt. The Brewster House, which is located there is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also Located in Galt is the Galt Arno Cemetery District.

The community of Galt operates using an elected council type of government. Galt’s, Mayor is elected by the entire City Council. Currently, the council members are Council Member Marylou Powers, Council member Lori Heuer, Council Member Curt Campion, Vice Mayor Barbara Payne, and Mayor Mark Crews.

The community of Galt is in the fifth Senate District in the California State Legislature. Representation is provided by Democrat Cathleen Galgiani, and the ninth Assembly District and representation is provided by Democrat Jim Cooper. The community of Galt is in the ninth congressional district in California in the U.S. House of Representatives. Representation is provided by Democrat Jerry McNerney.

Galt is a wonderful place to live, work, play, visit and raise a family. The residents of this community are proud of their rich history, and are looking forward to a bright future.