Hansdampf in allen Gassen

Among the well-known Swiss emigrants of the 19th century is Johann August Sutter, also known as "General Sutter" or the "Emperor of California." In 1834, he fled to America deeply in debt and without his family, where he initially sought his fortune unsuccessfully through various ventures before eventually founding a colony in California after many detours. What was Sutter's life like before gold was discovered on his land? Was he truly the noble pioneer who lost everything due to the gold rush? Did he meet a dramatic end on the steps of the Capitol, or did he instead die alone in a dreary hotel room? One thing is certain: Sutter's life journey is complex and touches everyone. Based on contemporary sources and reports, this novel intertwines authentic and fictional elements, while striving to accurately reflect the facts and milestones of Sutter's life.