Peter Lassen

Peter Lassen
Peter Lassen-portrait and signature, published 1882.
Born(1800-10-31)October 31, 1800
Farum, Denmark
DiedApril 26, 1859(1859-04-26) (aged 58)
Hardin City, Utah Territory, US
Other namesDon Pedro Lassen,
Peter Larsen Farum

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 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.