Sam Brannan Park

Historical marker location:
808 Gray Avenue, Yuba City, California
( Marker can be reached from Gray Avenue, ½ mile south of Colusa Highway (California Highway 20).)
Marker installed: 1963

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The state's name is derived from a novel called "Las Sergas de Esplandián," which was published in 1510. The book, written by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo, tells the story of a mythical island called California that is ruled by Queen Calafia and is said to be filled with gold and precious stones.
Sutter County, located in northern California, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Maidu and Patwin tribes, who thrived in the fertile lands along the Feather and Sacramento Rivers.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region. John Sutter, a Swiss immigrant, established a settlement known as New Helvetia, which would later become the site of the famous Sutter's Fort. Sutter's Fort served as a trading post, agricultural hub, and a stopping point for many pioneers traveling to California during the Gold Rush.

During the Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, Sutter County experienced a significant influx of people seeking their fortune in the gold fields. The county saw rapid growth and development during this time period, with new towns and mines being established throughout the area.

In the years following the Gold Rush, Sutter County transitioned into a more agriculturally focused region. The fertile soil and abundant waterways made it an ideal location for farming, particularly for crops such as rice, peaches, and tomatoes. Today, agriculture remains a vital industry in Sutter County, contributing to the local economy and community.

Overall, Sutter County's history is a tapestry of Native American heritage, European settlement, the Gold Rush era, and ongoing agricultural development. It reflects the diverse and resilient spirit of its inhabitants throughout the years.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Sutter County, California.

  • Sutter County is established in 1850
  • Rich agricultural land attracts settlers in the mid-1800s
  • Sutter County experiences a gold rush in the late 1800s
  • Agricultural development intensifies in the early 1900s
  • Sutter County becomes a major producer of fruits, nuts, and rice
  • The Sutter Buttes, considered the world's smallest mountain range, are designated as a state park in 1958
  • Sutter County experiences population growth and suburbanization in the latter half of the 20th century