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

Hornitos

Photographed By Lester Leston, October 8, 2010

1. Hornitos Marker

Inscription. Welcome to one of the most famous ghost towns of the 1800's. Hornitos is Spanish for "Little Ovens". It got its name from the above ground graves that were shaped like little cooking ovens used in Mexico. During this time, population was about 15,000 and had the first Wells Fargo office in the county. $40,000 in gold was shipped to the mint daily. Hornitos was host to Joaquin Murietta, one of Calif. most colorful bandits. Hornitos is located in the S.W. part of Mariposa County. The county was the largest in California during the Gold Rush period (1849).

Erected 1954 by Town of Hornitos and E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 333.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists.

Location. 37° 30.064′ N, 120° 14.284′ W. Marker is in Hornitos, California, in Mariposa County. Marker is at the intersection of Mechanic Street and Bear Valley Road (Road J16), on the right when traveling west on Mechanic Street. High Street is one block East of Bear Valley Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hornitos CA 95325, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

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. Hornitos Masonic Hall No. 98 (a few steps from this marker); Hornitos Masonic Hall (a few steps from this marker); Old Wells Fargo Office (within shouting distance of this marker); D. Ghirardelli & Co. (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Hornitos (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Hornitos (about 600 feet away); St. Catherine Catholic Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cavagnaro General Store (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hornitos.

More about this marker. In 1939 Hornitos was designated California Historical Landmark No. 333.

Regarding Hornitos. This is the 3rd generation marker. The first two, also wooden, did not stand up to the elements and continue their deterioration stacked behind the Ghillardelli ruins.
The jail dates from around 1849, before Hornitos was named - originally settled by Mexicans and native Californian descendants of Mexican settlers. The building itself is constructed of schist granite quarried from the nearby hills. There is a story of a Chinese miner called John that was murdered in the jail cell in the 1860's. The jail is the oldest building in town. There are many historic buildings remaining in Hornitos

Photographed By Lester Leston, October 8, 2010

2. Hornitos Marker

including the Wells Fargo Building, St Catherine's Catholic Church, The Masonic building, the Ghirardelli ruins and others. The town is a destination for touring classic car clubs and touring motorcycle clubs taking the historic Highway 49 back roads.

Also see . . . Hornitos. Includes the story of the murder of John the Chinese miner. (Submitted on January 6, 2011, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California.)

Hornitos Wall and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester Leston, October 8, 2010

3. Hornitos Wall and Marker

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 8, 2010

4. ECV Plaque

To Remember
The Hornitos Calabozo's
Welcome to the 1854 Brethren
"Credo Quia Absurdum"
Dedicated May 9, 1954

The Hornitos Jail and ECV Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 8, 2010

5. The Hornitos Jail and ECV Plaque

Shown above the door to the single jail cell. The plaque was placed by the Yerba Buena Chapter of E Clampus Vitus to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Hornitos and to pay homage to the original Clampers of the 1850's by the revived Clampers of the 1950's

Rear of the Hornitos Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 8, 2010

6. Rear of the Hornitos Jail

The Hornitos Jail before Restoration image. Click for full size.

courtesy State of California, circa 1947

7. The Hornitos Jail before Restoration

Ghirardelli Ruins image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 8, 2010

8. Ghirardelli Ruins

In 1858 D. Ghirardelli of the San Francisco Gharardelli Chocolate and Cocoa Company operated a store here. The ruins are preserved in arrested decay.

St. Catherine's Catholic Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 9, 2010

9. St. Catherine's Catholic Church

Church dates from about 1865. Ther rock butresses were added when the church was restored in the 1930's. The cemetery sits behind the church.

Hornitos Masonic Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 9, 2010

10. Hornitos Masonic Hall

Originally built in Quartzburg in 1855, it was purchased by the Hornitos Masons in 1873.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2011, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 1,133 times since then and 35 times this year. Last updated on December 28, 2020, by James King of San Miguel, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 8, 2011, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 6, 2011, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 8, 9, 10. submitted on January 10, 2011, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.