Category Archives: Kanaka

Kanakas in California

Posted on January 26, 2016 by nancyleek

When John Sutter came to California it could hardly have been by a more roundabout route. Born in Switzerland, he migrated to America in 1834, leaving behind his considerable debts (thousands of francs) and his considerable family (wife and five … Continue reading →

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Diversity at New Helvetia

Posted on January 23, 2016 by nancyleek

The colony that John Sutter gathered around him in California was nothing if not diverse. When John Bidwell made his way to John Sutter’s settlement in November 1841, he found Sutter living amongst a motley crew gathered from the far … Continue reading →