Knights Ferry in Stanislaus County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Buena Vista

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 30, 2011

1. Buena Vista Marker

Inscription. On October 3, 1806 a military and missionary expedition, led by Gabriel Moraga, encountered a native tribe a mile or two upstream from what is now Knights Ferry.

This settlement, which became Buena Vista, was probably started by J.S. Grayson in 1850. Nearby, on Goat Hill, was a large Indian rancheria, complete with sweat lodge. Local Indians renounced tribal land claims in exchange for trade goods. Bands of the tribe came here seeking a haven from the onslaught of gold miners.

In its heyday, there may have been as many as fifty White settlers and upwards of one hundred Indians. At one time there were several thriving businesses and a schoolhouse.

Now there is almost no physical evidence of a town named Buena Vista on the south side of the Stanislaus River. The Hunter family has continuously owned the property since 1918.

Ron Grider Noble Grand Humbug Estanislao Chapter 58 E Clampus Vitus

In memory of Chuck Christ 1942-2006 Vice Noble Grand Humbug

Dedicated to the Hunter Family
April 21, 2007

Erected 2007 by E Clampus Vitus, Estanislao Chapter No. 58.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers

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. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1862.

Location. 37° 48.914′ N, 120° 39.65′ W. Marker is in Knights Ferry, California, in Stanislaus County. Marker is on Kennedy Road east of Sonora Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 18341 Kennedy Road, Oakdale CA 95361, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus (approx. ¼ mile away); Knight's Ferry Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away); Power Generation (approx. 0.4 miles away); Tulloch’s Mill (approx. 0.4 miles away); Knights Ferry Covered Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mill House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Knight's Ferry (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Knight's Ferry (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Knights Ferry.

Buena Vista Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 30, 2011

2. Buena Vista Marker - wide view

The marker is located just to the south of the 50's Roadhouse Restaurant.

Stanislaus River Area Native People's Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 30, 2011

3. Stanislaus River Area Native People's Monument

Just on the other side of the Stanislaus River from the Buena Vista Marker, by the remains of the Tulloch Mill, is a monument to the native Mi-Wuk and Yokut tribes that lived in the area. The monument itself is very simple, consisting of a pole topped 3 feathers, and further down on the pole is mounted the metal silhouette of a salmon. In addition there is a memorial panel to the side consisting of an area map marking the location of native villages, and an inscription reading: "This monument commemorates the the native peoples, Mi-Wuk and Yokuts, who lived, loved, and fought for their freedom along the Stanislaus River. May they be remembered as long as the river flows. May the salmon again fill the Stanislaus courses."

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,002 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 6, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.