New Helvetia Cemetery

Sutter opened this burying ground in 1849. The city took it over, closed it, and cleared it in the 1950s, moving the dead to another cemetery. The plaque records something that clearance did not have to undo. The 1,009 Chinese buried here had already been disinterred and shipped home by the Chinese societies, who then deeded their plots to the city. Three hand-carved headstones from the ground have since been recovered. No state plaque stands here, and the bronze was placed by a Native Daughters parlor in 1957.

What the plaque says

New Helvetia Cemetery Established by John Sutter in 1849. Purchased in 1857 by J.W. Reeves, who later deeded it to the City of Sacramento. 1009 Chinese buried here were shipped to China by the Chinese Societies who deeded their plots to the city. Dedicated by Sutter Parlor No. 111 Native Daughters of the Golden West. May 14, 1957 Plaque donated by Sadie Winn Brainard

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Sacramento — 2.3 mi
  The Gold Rush river port that became the state capital, and jacked itself ten feet into the air to stop drowning.

More markers nearby

• Chevra Kaddisha (Home of Peace Cemetery) — steps away
• Coloma Road-Sutter's Fort — 0.3 mi
• Sutter's Fort — 0.3 mi
• State Indian Museum — 0.4 mi