Historical Resources
In the summer of 2020, we first shared plans by California State Parks to update the Interpretive Master Plan at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park.
This transformative effort reimagined how history is interpreted at the Fort, ensuring that the stories of all peoples connected to this site are acknowledged and shared with honesty and inclusivity.
Since then, our partners at California State Parks have worked with stakeholders to take significant steps that broaden the historical context presented at Sutter’s Fort SHP. Park staff have engaged Tribal Nations, historical experts, and the public to shape a vision that better reflects the diverse cultures and complex history tied to this landmark.
Milestones Reached in 2024
Adoption of General Plan Amendments
In 2024, the State Parks and Recreation Commission adopted critical amendments to the General Plan, marking the most comprehensive update to the park’s interpretation since 1990. These amendments expand the historical timeline beyond the years 1839–1850 to include:
- The Fort’s reconstruction in the early 20th century.
- Its transformation into a museum and State Historic Park.
- Its role as a “laboratory of learning,” encouraging visitors to reflect on complex historical narratives.
These changes open the door to telling more inclusive stories about the Fort’s history, emphasizing themes of architecture, nature, art, agriculture, and community memory alongside its historical significance.
Completion of the Interpretive Master Plan
The updated Interpretive Master Plan reflects input from Tribal Nations, community members, educators, and historians, ensuring the stories shared at the Fort represent a broader spectrum of lived experiences. This collaborative process highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding and interpreting history.
Learn More
Read the Adopted General Plan Amendments (2024)
Dive deeper into the comprehensive updates that shape the future of Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park.
Explore the Final Interpretive Master Plan
See how community input and research informed the new interpretive framework for the park.
Watch the Public Hearing Recording
Gain insights into the process behind the adoption of the General Plan Amendments and hear from those involved in its creation.
News Coverage
- Big changes are coming to Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento. Here’s what to know. (CBS Sacramento on MSN.com, June 11, 2024)
- Commission votes to change Sutter’s Fort general plan to focus on Native American experience (ABC10.com, June 11, 2024)
Public Involvement in the Process
The updates to the General Plan and Interpretive Master Plan were shaped by robust public engagement, including workshops, an online survey, and consultations with Tribal Nations and stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures that the stories told at Sutter’s Fort reflect the voices and perspectives of the many communities connected to its history.
We are excited to see these changes come to life, providing opportunities for visitors of all backgrounds to explore, reflect, and learn from the history of Sutter’s Fort in meaningful new ways.
Books & Resources available from Friends of Sutter’s Fort
Friends of Sutter’s Fort operate the Museum Store within Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, with all proceeds going back into supporting our efforts of preserving the historic structures and artifacts, and funding Sutter’s Fort educational programming.
In addition, we have some items for sale online including:
Books/ Resource Manuals
Online Resources to Learn More about the History of Sutter’s Fort
Resources from California State Parks:
- Draft Interpretative Master Plan
- California State Parks Online Collection
California State Parks offers an online gallery, which highlights the reconstruction of Sutter’s Fort in the 1890s. The online gallery shows artifacts once belonging to John Sutter, James Marshall and the Donner Party. View the Exhibit at Parks.CA.gov - Overview of the History Sutter’s Fort from California State Parks (Parks.CA.gov)
- Gold Rush Overview from California State Parks (Parks.CA.gov)
- State Indian Museum Teacher Resource Guide (.pdf, Parks.CA.gov)
- Native Plants Reference Guide (.pdf, Parks.CA.gov)
Thesis Paper: From Merchant Shops to Museum: The Fort after Sutter
by Jared Arthur Jones