Creation of San Francisco - Sam Brannan - Gold Rush

Join us for this in-person event co-sponsored by the Gilroy Historical Society. 

Author William Briggs tells the epic true story of Sam Brannan. Set against the tapestry of westward expansion and Manifest Destiny, follow Samuel Brannan’s epic sea pilgrimage from New York around Cape Horn to escape religious persecution. Hear about Brannan’s contentious relationship with Mormon leader Brigham Young, and his split from the Latter-Day Saints which freed him to pursue his dreams.

William Briggs is the author of The Star, The Saint and The City: How Sam Brannan's Newspaper Heralded the Gold Rush and Created San Francisco, That Pirate, Bouchard: Revolutions, Redemption and the Plunder of Old California, and Badass Lawman, Gangs, Guns and the Sheriff who Tamed the Golden State. He is past co-president of the Morgan Hill Historical Society, California State University emeritus dean, and retired journalism professor. Find his books at the Gilroy Library.

Walk-ins welcome. Register to receive an email reminder.