In 1869, without any permission from the Meiji Government, John SCHNELL, a merchant of weapons for the former Aizu Domain, led about 40 immigrants including former feudal retainers of the domain to Gold Hill in California and built the 'Wakamatsu Colony' for tea and sericulture production, which ended in failure after two years.
1869年旧会津藩の武器御用商人だったジョン・シュネルが、旧会津藩士ら約40名ほど（詳細な記録がないため正確な人数は不明）を連れ、明治政府に無許可でカリフォルニア州ゴールド・ヒルに移住、茶と養蚕を目的とした「若松コロニー」を作るが、僅か2年で頓挫。