A Swiss immigrant named John Sutter received a land grant from the Mexican government. He used the land to build an agricultural establishment and named it New Helvetia (New Switzerland.) Almost a decade after it was established, miners coming to California for the Gold Rush overran Sutter’s land grant and Sutter’s Fort is all that remains of New Helvetia.

Today, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is open daily for self-guided tours. Special events and school programs are held monthly. Please call for a list of upcoming list of events and programs.

For general Sutter's Fort State Historic Park information, please call (916) 445-4422