Remains found at UC Davis Health Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Human remains from unidentified burials were discovered by construction crews at UC Davis Health’s Sacramento campus earlier this year, officials said.

University officials said the remains were uncovered in February during excavation for construction along X Street near Stockton Boulevard.

Following historical and archaeological investigations, it was revealed that the area overlapped with the former site of the Sacramento County Hospital cemetery, which operated from the 1880s to the 1920s, according to officials.

The remains were from 77 previously unknown burials at the site and are being stored at a secured facility. Officials said the remains varied in condition, with some “consisting of relatively complete skeletal remains” and others having “bone fragments.”

University officials said there is no evidence the recovered remains were Native American. Gravestones, grave markers or other materials identifying specific individuals were not uncovered.

There was an earlier discovery of 72 people’s remains near the site, which were also believed to be associated with the former hospital cemetery. Those remains were reinterred in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sacramento with approval from the Sacramento Superior Court, officials said.

“The discovery of older human remains is relatively common in historic regions like Sacramento,” the university said in a statement. “UC Davis Health is coordinating with appropriate public agencies and the Sacramento County Cemetery Advisory Commission to process the discovery, handling, and reinterment through the standard legal and archeological protocols.”

Anyone who has questions or information on the remains is encouraged to contact UC Davis Health Government and Community Relations at community.relations@health.ucdavis.edu or 916-734-5441 by close of business on Nov. 3.