Brannan, Samuel
Samuel Brannan (March 2, 1819 - 1889) was an Irish American printer and businessman active in California in the middle part of the 19th century. Brannan as born in Saco Main, where he apprenticed as a printer in 1836. During his journeyman years, he traveled throughout the United States with a portable press. In 1842, he converted to Mormonism and began publishing the New York Messenger. Between 1845 and 1846, he organized some 220 Mormons to establish a Mormon Fort in San Francisco. While he failed to establish Mormonism in California, he did set up a press and began publishing the California Star, California's first newspaper. In 1847, Brannan established a store just outside Sutter's Fort. The move was prescient, within a year the California Gold Rush transformed the sleepy fort into the boomtown city of Sacramento. It is recorded that between 1848 and 1849, sales at the store averaged a staggering $150,000 per month - transforming Brannan into California' first (but not last) millionaire. He was elected Senator of California in 1853. Apparently in his later years, Brannan developed an alcohol problem and a violent temperament - leading to the loss of much of his great wealth. He died in San Diego in 1889.
First view of Sutter's Fort from first-hand observation.
Sutter's Fort, Sacramento, Cal. 1847.
$1,800.00
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A scarce c. 1859 view of Sutter's Fort, California, as it appeared just one year before the California Gold Rush. Sutter's Fort occupies the site of modern-day Sacramento. Drawn from actual observation, this piece offers the best image of Sutter's Fort prior to the Gold Rush, which spurred breakneck development and the establishment of Sacramento. The view presents a small but well-defended fort, with multiple cannon, strong walls, and a proud American Flag. (more details)