In the early 1800's, the area now known as Sutter County was inhabited by the native Maidu Indians. Members of various Spanish expeditions in search of mission sites, and fur trappers lured by the abundant wildlife, traveled through in 1841. The bulk of the territory was deeded by the Mexican Government to the County's namesake, John Sutter. Established in 1842, John Sutter's Hock Farm was the first large-scale agricultural settlement in Northern California, composed of grain, cattle, orchards and vineyards.