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Sutter (John A.) Papers
BANC MSS C-B 631  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
Includes letters from Sutter, documents relating to property, and copy of inventory of Russian-American Company property at Fort Ross and Bodega.
Background
John Augustus Sutter, a colorful figure of Swiss parentage who came to the United States in 1834, first settled in Saint Louis, where he operated as a trader on the Santa Fe Trail. Then in 1838, he left for the West via the Oregon Trail with detours to Alaska and the Sandwich Islands before arriving in California in 1839. He obtained a land grant in what is now the Sacramento area, building a fort/trading/trapping post at New Helvetia in 1841 and acquiring property from the Russians at Fort Ross. The gold found in his property in 1848 led to his financial downfall. In 1849 he was one of the delegates to the state constitutional convention. He lived with his family at Hock Farm from 1850 until 1864 when his homestead was burned. He spent his last years in the east.
Extent
1.25 linear feet: 2 boxes and 1 oversize folder
Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to The Bancroft Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services. Permission for publication is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.
Availability
Collection is open for research.