Reedley in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Poole's Ferry

Smith's Ferry

Photographed By Lester J Letson, circa Sept 2009

1. Poole's Ferry Marker

This is the North face of the 3 sided marker that tells the story of Jim Savage's death at the hands of Judge Harvey.

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Side A - North
Poole's Ferry Most important of Kings River's earliest crossings, it was operated from 1851 - 1857 by William Campbell and John Poole 3 miles above this point. The ferry and its trading post served travelers and miners. In July, 1852, it became the focus of violence when an armed party led by Walter Harvey, Tulare County's first judge, raided a Choinumni Yocuts Indian Village. Yosemite discoverer Major James D. Savage, famed Indian trader and peacemaker, tried to ease tensions but was shot and killed by Harvey in an argument at the trading post on August 16, 1852.

Side B - South
Smith's Ferry Operated here from 1855 - 1874 by Mr. & Mrs. James Smith, the precursor of Reedley's settlement in 1888. It outlasted other Kings River ferries since Smith's was the only boat that could be approached at high water. His family kept a two story, 11 room hotel on what is now the cemetery's north end where Smith, who died in 1862, rests in the oldest grave. His widow sold the businesses in February 1874. Within months, they closed, victims of the Central

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Pacific Railroad's construction west of here in 1872. Smith, an early-day assemblyman, is memorialized in the name of a mountain east of here.

Erected 1985 by E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 29.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1874.

Location. 36° 35.067′ N, 119° 27.467′ W. Marker is in Reedley, California, in Fresno County. Marker is at the intersection of Reed Avenue and Olson Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Reed Avenue. The 3 sided marker is in Monument Park at the corner of Reed and Olson along the Kings River, across Olson from the Reedley Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1460 South Reed Avenue, Reedley CA 93654, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Wagon Bridge (approx. 1.4 miles away); Major James D. Savage (approx. 3.2 miles away); Alta Irrigation District (approx. 4.6 miles away); The History of the Town Kingsburg (approx. 7 miles away); George Boyle (approx. 7.1 miles away); Fred French (approx. 7.1 miles

Smith's Ferry Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson

2. Smith's Ferry Marker

This is the South face of the marker telling the story of Smith and his ferry.

away); The Historic Kingsburg Jail (approx. 7.1 miles away); Libby, McNeill and Libby Cannery (approx. 8.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Reedley.

More about this marker. The North face of the marker is the Poole's Ferry story, the South face is the Smith's Ferry story. The East face depicts Smith Mountain named for James Smith along with the dedication date.

Regarding Poole's Ferry. Major James D Savage who was killed at Poole's Ferry is the namesake of the Fresno County chapter of E Clampus Vitus. Jim Savage Chapter 1852 is named for the early California trapper, businessman, and character who was killed in Fresno County in 1852

Photographed By Lester J Letson, circa Sept 2009

3. Poole's Ferry Marker

Photographed By Lester J Letson, circa Sept 2009

4. Smith's Ferry Marker

Smith Mountain Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson

5. Smith Mountain Marker

Cleaning the "Smith Mountain" East face of the Marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 2,822 times since then and 277 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 21, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Close-Up photo of the "Smith Mountain" side of marker. • Photo of the cemetery and gravesite of James Smith. • Can you help?