John Sutter

John Sutter was a Swiss immigrant and a key figure in California's history during the 19th century. He established Sutter's Fort in Sacramento, which served as a crucial trading post and agricultural hub for settlers. Sutter is most famously associated with the discovery of gold on his land in 1848, which kickstarted the California Gold Rush. This massive influx of people transformed California’s economy and demographics. Despite his initial prosperity, Sutter lost much of his wealth due to the rapid changes brought by the Gold Rush, ultimately leading to his decline and financial struggles.