Sutter's Fort State Historic Park

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Sutter's Fort State Historic Park Photos

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Description

Sutter's Fort is another must visit for a California 4th grader. I'd pick Columbia State Historic Parkfirst, but Sutter's Fort is a close second.

Sutter's Fort was built by the same John Sutter who co-owned the sawmill where James Marshall first discovered gold on January 24th, 1848. In fact, John Sutter was building the sawmill to provide lumber for his expanding empire around his fort and what was to become Sacramento.

Now the fort is all that remains of John Sutter's 48,000 acres near the Sacramento River. It has been loving restored to its former state based on an 1847 era map.

There are many rooms full of pioneer and early California artifacts. There are also several artifacts from the Donner Party because John Sutter was instrumental in sending help for them.

Younger kids attention will probably fade early on at the fort. There aren't any hands-on exhibits.

There is a small lake outside the fort with a foot bridge. Also, the State Indian Museum is in the same block, kind of behind the fort.