Sutter's Fort

This episode originally aired in March of 2016. There’s a lot to unpack with this topic. It is especially pertinent as we re-air this episode, considering the ongoing controversy over immigration.

Gordon and his swivel gun, Sutter’s Fort, ca. late 1990s

If there’s one thing Gordon can talk authoritatively about, it’s California history, and if there’s one thing in California history he has intimate knowledge of, it’s Sutter’s Fort. Gordon worked as an historical interpreter there for several years and enjoyed giving lectures “in situ”, as it were.

The historical interpreters at Sutter’s Fort, ca. late 1990s, the one summer I (NF) worked there (center back with Gordon). Front row right (reclining is Dr. M. Blanchard, who we interviewed re. archaeology in a previous episode).

From the original show notes: “Have you ever wondered what a Swiss-German immigrant and a handful of Hawaiians were doing in central California in the early 19th century? If you have, join us this week as we take a look at the up and down history of Johan August Sutter, founder of present-day Sacramento and the fort that still bears his name.”

Links:

• Texas Declaration of Independence (1836)

• Emancipation reform of 1861, Russia

• Nikola Tesla's public radio demonstration (teslauniverse.com)

• Kohl Tutorial

• The Iliad - what is it really about?

• History Hit: 2016 Oscars historical films (historyh.it)

• “Space Cowboys” - rip-roaring anthologies from Raconteur Press!

• The Year of Decision 1846, Bernard DeVoto, Mark DeVoto, Stephen E. Ambrose A book about the California trail that we failed to mention.

• John Sutter

• Fort Vancouver

• Sutter's Fort

• Californios

• Bartleson–Bidwell Party

• Fort Ross, California

• John C. Frémont

• California Republic - Bear Flag Revolt (1846)

• Battle of Monterey - a.k.a. Sloate's Landing (1846)

• Donner Party

• Mormon Battalion

• Jean Baptiste "Pomp" Charbonneau

• Sutter's Mill