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Points of Interest
in Mariposa County
Mariposa got its name when early Spanish explorers noticed an abundance of beautiful butterflies in the area. Thus, they called the territory "Mariposa," the Spanish term for butterfly. |
| Historical Attractions |
When gold was discovered in Mariposa County, it attracted fortune seekers from all over the world, especially Europeans, South Americans and Mexicans. Their eventual departure left behind abundant remnants of their lifestyle throughout the county at the site where gold was extracted, some reflected in the architecture of the times. |
| Historical Buildings |
In the town of Mariposa, historic buildings include the 1854 Courthouse, the 1863 St. Joseph's Catholic Church, the 1859 jail, the 1866 Trabucco Warehouse and the 1866 Schlageter Hotel. |
| California Mining and Mineral Museum |
This interesting site is located just three miles from the town of Mariposa and displays the State's historic gem and mineral collection. With over 20,000 specimens, the unique display appeals to the curiosity and fascination of mineral collectors and is one of the largest in the world.
Many of the gems and minerals in the collection were discovered during the mid and late 1800's; donated to the state for safekeeping and for the enjoyment and education of the public. The gold exhibit features the Fricot Nugget, a magnificent piece of crystallized gold from El Dorado County. It weighs 201.40 troy ounces and is one of the finest and largest specimens of native gold in existence. Admission is charged. (209) 742-7625 |
| Mariposa County Courthouse |
Located in the town of Mariposa, the building is a State of California Historical Landmark (No. 670), housing the judicial seat of Mariposa County. It is the oldest courthouse in continuous use west of the Rockies and third oldest in the nation as well as being on the National Register of Historical Places. Appearing much as it did in 1854, the courthouse contains the original furniture and other furnishings. Each Tuesday the County Board of Supervisors meets in this building. The building is open to the public. Tours are available on Sat. and Sun. during the months of May through Sept. Donations are accepted. Call the Chamber of Commerce office for information at (209) 966-2456.
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| Mariposa Museum & History Center |
The center presents an authentic picture of people and life in Mariposa County from the Indian and Spanish periods to the famed California Gold Rush and to the recent past. Portrayed are original documents, artifacts and artwork, as well as a typical one-room miner's cabin and displays of the life style of the West's most famous explorer and Mariposa County resident, John C. Fremont, and his wife, Jessie. Outdoor exhibits include mining equipment and an Indian village. Donations are accepted.
Phone: (209) 966-2924. |
| Coulterville |
Coulterville is an authentic example of a California gold rush town, is designated as State Historical Landmark No. 332. Few changes have been made to it since the turn of the century. Coulterville is home to the Northern Mariposa County History Center, an outstanding gold rush history museum. Donations are accepted. Also located in Coulterville is the Hotel Jeffery and Magnolia Saloon. The hotel and saloon have been family owned and operated since 1851. |
| Hornitos |
Settled in 1850, this placid town of today had an obstreperous reputation in the mid-1800's. The notorious bandit, Joaquin Murietta, was known to be a frequent visitor. Today, you can see ruins of several old buildings, the old jail and Domingo Ghiradelli's (the chocolate king) store. Built before 1869, St. Catherine's Catholic Church and its cemetery sit atop a hill overlooking the town. |
| Yosemite Valley Railroad |
Construction started in 1902 on the railroad and employed about 1,500 men. It operated from 1907 to 1946 and was initially used to haul logs, limestone and other minerals. After the popularity of Yosemite National Park grew, the trains were also used for passenger service between Merced and El Portal. Passengers were met in El Portal by stagecoaches in the early days and buses later on. Attempts are underway to reconstruct the railroad following much of the original route.
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| Yosemite National Park |
One of the most magnificent of the national parks, Yosemite is characterized by waterfalls and glacier-eroded landscapes. Visitors can enjoy camping, lodging, horse rides, hiking, bicycle rentals, mountain climbing, golf, skiing, nature programs, and fishing. Operated by the National Park Service, it is open year round. Admission is charged. The Public Information Office phone is (209) 372-0265. |
| Lake McSwain/ Lake McClure Recreational Area |
These recreational areas are operated by the Merced Irrigation District. It offers popular water recreational activities such as boating, fishing and swimming and has developed campsites and houseboat rentals. Open year round. Admission is charged. (800) 468-8889. |
| Outdoor Recreation |
Mariposa County has outstanding recreational opportunities that include hiking, bicycling, camping, gold panning, swimming, nature trails, tennis, boating, hang gliding, skiing, rafting, fishing, and exploring. Private campgrounds abound and the Bureau of Land Management of the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service operates public camp grounds located throughout the county. Municipal swimming pools are located in Mariposa, Coulterville, and El Portal.
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