Saturday, August 7, 2010
California State Archives, Research Room
OPEN Including the Root Cellar Family History Library located at 1020 "O" Street in Sacramento will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For general information, telephone (916) 653-7715, Reference Desk (916) 653-2246 or visit the California State Archives website.
July 31, 1846
Mormons Under Sam Brannon Land in San Francisco
On this date in 1846, 238 Mormons, led by Sam Brannon, landed at Yerba Buena, hoping to found a Mormon colony. They emigrated from the US trying to escape virulent anti-Mormon sentiment that had led to the lynching of their leader and prophet Joseph Smith in 1844. To their disappointment they discovered that US naval forces had occupied what they had expected to be Mexican territory. The Mormons however quickly established themselves in what was then the tiny town of San Francisco, tripling its population. Sam Brannon went on to have a colorful if dubious career. In 1848, hearing news of the gold find, he quietly bought up every item of merchandise he could obtain, and then walked about the streets of San Francisco, blazoning the news of the gold discovery. Brannon made a fortune during the gold rush, and became a leading citizen of the city, serving as the 1st President of the Vigilante Committee and expanding his business operations. However, his hedonism and refusal to tithe resulted in his excommunication from the Mormon Church, and he soon lapsed into alcoholism, foolhardy business ventures, and poverty. |
 |
Brought to you by
|
