Skip to Main Content
The library buildings in Sacramento will be opening later (10:30 a.m.) on April 26 due to the All Staff meeting.
    Share:
    Share:
  •  Join Our Mailing Lists
  •  Contact Us
  •  Get a Library Card
  •  Settings
  •  Share
  •  Settings
Organization Title
California State Library logo
Menu Search
  • Home
  • Services
    • Braille and Talking Books
      Learn about services for eligible readers and what can be borrowed.
    • Online Resources
      Online resources for state government and California State Library visitors.
    • Borrowing
      Information on borrowing materials from the California State Library.
    • Research
      Find research resources, and information on who can get help from the California Research Bureau.
    • To Public
      Directory of services available to the general public.
    • To Libraries
      Information on grants, interlibrary lending and more.
    • To State Employees
      State government employee access to online resources, library materials and reference services.
    • Statistics
      An annual compilation of statistical data from California public libraries.
  • Grants
  • Collections
    • Braille and Talking Books
      Learn about services for eligible readers and what can be borrowed.
    • Online Catalogs
      Find new and historical books, documents and more in the California State Library's online catalogs.
    • Online Collections
      Remotely access our collections of 3D images, photographs, drawings, exhibits and more.
    • Genealogy
      Access third-party genealogy databases as well as our genealogy research guides.
    • Sutro Library
      Our San Francisco branch holds the original collection of philanthropist Adoph Sutro.
    • California History
      Find the state’s premier collection of documents from and about California's rich history.
    • Government Publications
      Access official California and U.S. government publications received by the State Library.
    • Law
      Access our extensive collection of primary and secondary sources with a focus on California law.
    • Videos/Podcasts
      Watch and listen to videos and podcasts produced by the staff of California State Library.
  • Work With Us
    • Jobs
      Find and apply for California State Library jobs.
    • Internships
      Internship opportunities for undergraduate students.
    • Volunteer
      Volunteer opportunities at the California State Library.
  • About Library
    • Mission and Values
      The mission statement and values of the California State Library.
    • General Information
      The California State Library, a California public research institution, serves the people of California in many ways.
    • Library Sections
      We have a number of sections that offer services to state government, public libraries, and the general public.
    • History
      In 1850, California established the State Library to organize and preserve reference materials for new lawmakers.
    • Press Releases
      Learn about all that is new at the California State Library from our most recent press releases.
    • Executive Staff
      Meet State Librarian Greg Lucas, Deputy State Librarian Narinder Sufi and the rest of the executive team.
  • Visit Us
    • Locations and Hours
      For public service desks, reading rooms, and other State Library services.
    • Events
      Learn what's happening today and tomorrow at the State Library.
    • Exhibits
      Our exhibits feature historic and contemporary works from our vast collections.
    • Tours
      We conduct docent-led tours. You can also go on a self-guided or virtual tour.
  • Ask a Librarian
Provide Feedback
×

 



Thank you for visiting the California State Library website. Please take our short survey (link below) to let us know what’s working – or not – for you on our newly redesigned website.

The survey should only take a couple of minutes.
  1. Home
  2. Our Collections
  3. Sutro
  4. Adolph Sutro

Adolph Sutro

Adolph Sutro

Since the 19th century, Adolph Sutro's passion for book collecting, libraries, the arts, and architecture has benefited San Franciscans and Californians. The California State Library created the Sutro Library from Adolph Sutro's private library in 1917.

Sutro first staked his claim in the annals of California history through his love of engineering. Before arriving in San Francisco in 1850 aboard the steamship California, Sutro studied mining and engineering in his native Prussia. When the 20-year-old engineer disembarked in the booming city a year into the Gold Rush, Sutro turned to the profitable business of trading, first in San Francisco and, later, in Stockton.

In 1859, the Comstock Lode made headlines, and Sutro shrewdly returned to mining. He established the Sutro Metallurgical Works in East Dayton, Nevada, a small mill where he discovered how to reduce ores by improving the process of amalgamation. Sutro's metallurgical breakthrough led to his building the Sutro Tunnel, an engineering marvel that enabled miners to bring out the Comstock silver quickly. After selling his tunnel in 1879 to the McCalmont Brothers, Sutro returned to San Francisco a millionaire.

Adolph Sutro was elected mayor of San Francisco in 1894. He served a two-year term and James. D. Phelan succeeded him.

In the late 19th century Adolph Sutro owned one-twelfth of the acreage of San Francisco. He purchased the Cliff House in the early 1880s, and one thousand acres of land facing the ocean, now called Sutro Heights. He built the Sutro saltwater baths and planted Sutro Forest. The sites are now called the Sutro Historic District and are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Sutro owned the finest private library in America, a portion of which was destroyed during the fire that followed the Great Earthquake of 1906. Sutro died in San Francisco August 8, 1898.

  • Back to Top
  • Conditions of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • History Pin
  • Tumblr
  • Pintrest
  • Instagram
Copyright © California State Library