three Europeans and a Native American boy, probably to serve as interpreter. Most of the colony's first members were Native Hawaiians. Sutter had entered a contract with the governor of Hawaii to hire eight men and two women for three years. Once the first camp was setup, Sutter arranged for local Miwok and Nisenan people to build the first building, a three-room adobe. Geography and hydrology Sutter's Fort is located on level ground at an elevation of approximately above mean sea datum. The slope elevation decreases northward toward the American River and westward toward the Sacramento River. Slope elevation gradually increases to the south and east, away from the rivers. All surface drainage flows toward the Sacramento River. Groundwater in the vicinity flows south-southwest toward the Sacramento Delta. However, after peak rainfall, the Sacramento River swells and the groundwater flow can actually reverse away from the river. See also California State Indian Museum Old Sacramento State Historic Park History of Sacramento, California List of California State Historic Parks California Historical Landmarks in Sacramento County, California National Register of Historic Places listings in Sacramento County, California Further reading Gwinn, Herbert D.. (1931). The history of Sutter's Fort, 1839–1931. University of the Pacific, Thesis. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/911 References External links John Bidwell (Sutter's Fort Pioneer Collection), 1841–1902. Collection guide, California State Library, California History Room. Sutter's Fort State Historic Park official site Virtual Sutter's Fort Virtual Web Site A History of American Indians in California: Sutter's Fort Library of Congress, Americas Memory Buildings and structures completed in 1839 California Gold Rush Fort California State Historic Parks Museums in Sacramento, California History museums in California Forts in California Military and war museums in California Parks in Sacramento County, California History of Sacramento, California Adobe buildings and structures in California Buildings and structures in Sacramento, California California Historical Landmarks National Historic Landmarks in California Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in California National Register of Historic Places in Sacramento, California 1839 establishments in Alta California Donner Party Landmarks in Sacramento, California Houses in Sacramento County, California