Multiple sailing dates: SS California, September 19, 1854
John C. Fremont has a colorful California history and until recently he has been eulogized for his leadership role in early California. More recently, in addition to extolling his virtues, historians and novelists are likely to also bring up his mistreatment of American Indians, Mexicans, and women in particular.
He came to California as a U.S. Army officer, and proceeded to instigate revolt. Settlers were brought into the United States Army as the California Battalion under Fremont. Americans, emboldened by his presence, illegally imprisoned Californio officials, seized government and private property, and occupied Sonoma and its surroundings.
As one of the early settlers in California, Fremont helped develop attention to the West by publishing his Report of the Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the Year 1842 and to Oregon and North California in the Years 1843-44, commissioned by the United States government. His book was used by thousands who followed him West.
Fremont established a camp north of Sutter’s Fort on May 29, 1846, and it was Fremont’s land where gold was discovered.