UC Davis Health Discovered 77 Burials in February
Construction crews found unidentified remains at a historic Sacramento County Hospital cemetery site.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Healthcare
In February 2026, excavation work near X Street and Stockton Boulevard in Sacramento uncovered 77 sets of human remains. The site is part of a former Sacramento County Hospital cemetery that operated from the 1880s through the 1920s.
Why it matters
The discovery provides a glimpse into the region's medical history while complicating current campus expansion efforts. Officials are now working to identify the origins of these remains, which include both complete skeletons and bone fragments.
The 77 burials were found along X Street, adding to the 72 remains previously unearthed nearby from the same historic hospital cemetery. Investigators confirmed there is no evidence that any of the remains are Native American in origin.
The players
UC Davis Health
This academic health system provides medical care and research facilities across the Sacramento region.
Sacramento County Cemetery Advisory Commission
This agency oversees the management and preservation of historic burial sites located within the county.
The details
The remains were discovered without grave markers or identifying materials during routine excavation activities on the university campus. UC Davis Health is currently storing the remains at a secure facility while coordinating with the Sacramento County Cemetery Advisory Commission.
Timeline
The former hospital cemetery operated from the 1880s through the 1920s.
The 77 burials were discovered during excavation in February 2026.
Members of the public are asked to contact the university by Nov. 3, 2026.
Market Landscape
This discovery follows the earlier recovery of 72 remains at the same location, indicating a significant and expanding archaeological footprint for the hospital's expansion project. These repeated findings require long-term coordination with public agencies to manage historical preservation while meeting site development goals.
Residents with historical ties to the former Sacramento County Hospital may have a final window to engage with the university regarding the remains. The project site remains a focal point for public interest, with further updates expected to clarify the eventual reinterment process.
The takeaway
Historical infrastructure projects frequently intersect with forgotten burial grounds that require sensitive, transparent management. Engaging with the relevant cemetery advisory boards is the standard protocol for ensuring the respectful treatment of remains discovered during modern development.
What happens next
Members of the public who have inquiries or relevant information regarding these burials are requested to contact UC Davis Health by the November 3, 2026, deadline.
Further reading
Learn more about local health initiatives in the Healthcare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
