"John Sutter's entrance into American history began because of a rocky situation. He fled Switzerland in search of riches, leaving behind his wife and young children, because he owed people lots of money. After bartering his way from New York to the West Coast, Sutter started a settlement in California along the Sacramento River. But the Gold Rush changed Sutter's life forever. Primary source documents and lively sidebars help tell this story of a man who made his mark on America."--Provided by publisher.