Peter Lassen

Life & Legacy

Peter Lassen (October 31, 1800 – April 26, 1859), later known in Spanish as Don Pedro Lassen, was a Danish-born Californian ranchero and gold prospector. Born in Denmark, Lassen immigrated at age 30 to Massachusetts, before eventually moving to Alta California (then a part of Mexico). In California, Lassen became a Mexican citizen and received the vast Rancho Bosquejo from Governor Manuel Micheltorena. He is the namesake of Lassen County, California, Lassen Peak, Lassen National Forest, and Lassen Volcanic National Park.