This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
First Forty Niners
Elmo Scott Watson recounts the 1848 gold discovery start by Sutter Marshall and Brannan, detailing their roles and fates. Sutter's New Helvetia reign, Marshall’s mill find, Brannan's promotional ventures, and the rise of San Francisco and Sacramento amid the gold rush, ending in faded fortunes for all three.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
America
Johann August Sutter
James Wilson Marshall
Sam Brannan
Bay of Yerba Buena
San Francisco
Sacramento Valley
California
Mexico
Monterey
Sutter
Juan Alvaredo
Shanakas
Sandwich Islands
Alvaredo
New Helvetia
New Switzerland
Canada
St. Louis
Micheltorena
New Jersey
Marshall
Trans- Mississippi
American
Charles Bennett
Mason
Bennett
Benicia
Sam. Brannan
Brannan
Mormon Church
the Messenger
Church of the Latter Day Saints
Yerba Buena
Bay
Sam
Mississippi Valley
Sam Brandanv
Plaza
Cotoma
Hermitage
Bethlehem
Litit
Washington
Coloma
James W. Marshall
Sutter’s Fort
Sacramento City
Sam's Mill
House of Osborn & Brannan
Western Newspaper Union