Sutter's Fort SHP

State Historic Park

Stronghold of Pioneer Memories
Exploring some of the unique artifacts from Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is just a click away!  Our online exhibit highlights the reconstruction of Sutter’s Fort in the 1890s and explains how the Fort’s collection of pioneer and early California artifacts was formed.  Scrolling through the exhibit you will see artifacts once belonging to John Sutter, James Marshall and the Donner Party. View Exhibit

In 1839 a Swiss immigrant named John Sutter received a land grant in the Sacramento Valley from the Mexican government. He used the land to create a flourishing agricultural empire and named it New Helvetia (New Switzerland.) This empire established Sacramento’s earliest settlement and the first non-Indian settlement in California’s Central Valley.

In 1847 Sutter sent aid to the Donner Party, a group of immigrants trapped in a winter storm in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Word spread and Sutter became known for his hospitality and for providing temporary refuge to travelers. This reputation made New Helvetia the destination for early immigrants to California.

Less than a decade after they were established, Sutter’s properties were overrun by gold seekers and the fort is all that remains of New Helvetia. It has been restored to its former state based on an 1847 map published in Darmstadt, Germany and is open daily for tours.

Location-Directions
The park is located in midtown Sacramento between K and L Streets and 26th and 28th Streets.

Traveling on I-80, from San Francisco, take Business 80/Hwy 50 east. Take the Business 80 exit (north towards Reno) to the N Street turn off. Travel straight on 30th Street then turn left under the freeway at L Street to the Fort which will be located on your right.

Monday - Saturday, bring quarters for the parking meters. Parking is free on Sundays.

Facilities - Opportunities
The Fort is available for private parties and gatherings for a fee.
Call for availability and information:   (916) 445-4422.

A self-guided audio tour is available.

Special events are scheduled throughout the year.

Sutter's Fort Trade Store provides a large variety of authentic gifts and publications relating to California history including the Overland Trail and Gold Rush. The store is non-profit and operated by the Sacramento Historic Sites Association in cooperation with the California State Parks.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.

Wi-Fi Service Sutter's Fort State Historic Park now offers AT&T Wi-Fi Service! This service enables park visitors with wireless enabled laptop computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs) to access the Internet. You can access this service if you are within a 150 foot range base of the Ranger's Office located in the Park. For more information about this service please see January 19, 2005, News Release.  January 19, 2005, News Release (pdf)  Other parks with WiFi access...