Bear Valley in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Bear Valley

Photographed by Lester J Letson, October 9, 2010

1. Bear Valley Marker

Inscription. First called Johnsonville, Bear Valley had a population of 3,000 including Chinese, Cornish and Mexicans during 1850-60 when Col. John C Fremont's Pine Tree and Josephine mines were producing. Fremont's elegant hotel "Oso House", built with lumber brought around the horn, no longer stands. After fire in 1888, structures were rebuilt. Some still standing are Bon Ton Saloon, Trabucco Store, Odd Fellows Hall, school house and remains of jail, all reminders of Bear Valley's colorful past.

Erected 1985 by Matuca Chapter 1849, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 331.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Hispanic Americans • Immigration • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.

Location. 37° 34.123′ N, 120° 7.129′ W. Marker is in Bear Valley, California, in Mariposa County. It is on State Highway 49 south of Bear Valley Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7261 California 49, Mariposa CA 95338,

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United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Gold Country

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Bear Valley (here, next to this marker); Mrs. E. Trabucco Store (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gertrude School (approx. ¼ mile away); Fremont’s Fort (approx. 1.4 miles away); May Rock (approx. 2 miles away); Bagby (approx. 3 miles away); Mount Ophir Mine (approx. 4.7 miles away); La Mineta 1850 - Princeton 1854 - Mount Bullion 1862 (approx. 5.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bear Valley.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Mount Ophir Mines (was approx. 4.7 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Regarding Bear Valley. This

Photographed by Lester J Letson, October 9, 2010

2. Bear Valley Marker

is California Historical Landmark No. 331

Additional keywords. California Historical Landmark No. 331

Bear Valley Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lester J Letson, October 9, 2010

3. Bear Valley Jail

The Jail is visible from the road behind the marker, but is on private property.

Bear Valley School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lester J Letson

4. Bear Valley School

As seen from behind the marker.

Trabucco Store and Odd Fellows Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lester J Letson

5. Trabucco Store and Odd Fellows Hall

Two of the remaining buildings in the town of Bear Valley. The Trabucco Store, renamed the Simpson-Trabucco Store is currently closed. The Odd Fellows Hall is now the Oso Hall Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2011, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 2,488 times since then and 71 times this year. Last updated on January 26, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 6, 2011, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.