Hornitos in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Hornitos
Photographed by Liam Williams, April 25, 2026
1. Hornitos Marker
Inscription.
Hornitos, or Hornitas, as it was called in the old days, was established in 1852 when Quartzburg would not allow gambling and other related past times in town. Many Mexican miners left and came downstream and formed Hornitos. This site was on the main road from Stockton to Mariposa and the southern mines. Hornitas took its name from the large number of small Mexican ovens used to bake bread. It soon looked like a Mexican village with a central plaza. It was known for its rough and rowdy ways in the early days. Joaquin Murrieta reportedly made two visits in 1853 and met his demise later that year. It soon became an economic and transportation hub for central California. This is the Merck Building built prior to 1857. It was bought in 1862 by Charles and Emilia Merck as a bakery. They established the Coffee and Lager Beer Saloon and ran the bakery. The Ghirardelli family famous for their chocolate in San Francisco had two lots. In 1870 640 acres were surveyed and the town was incorporated until 1972. Hornitos began to fade in 1872 when the railroad came through Merced and even more in 1915 when Hwy. 140 was built bypassing Hornitos completely.
Hornitos, or Hornitas, as it was called in the old days, was established in 1852 when Quartzburg would not allow gambling and other related past times in town. Many Mexican miners left and came downstream and formed Hornitos. This site was on the main road from Stockton to Mariposa and the southern mines. Hornitas took its name from the large number of small Mexican ovens used to bake bread. It soon looked like a Mexican village with a central plaza. It was known for its rough and rowdy ways in the early days. Joaquin Murrieta reportedly made two visits in 1853 and met his demise later that year. It soon became an economic and transportation hub for central California. This is the Merck Building built prior to 1857. It was bought in 1862 by Charles and Emilia Merck as a bakery. They established the Coffee and Lager Beer Saloon and ran the bakery. The Ghirardelli family famous for their chocolate in San Francisco had two lots. In 1870 640 acres were surveyed and the town was incorporated until 1972. Hornitos began to fade in 1872 when the railroad came through Merced and even more in 1915 when Hwy. 140 was built bypassing Hornitos completely.
Erected 2022 by Matuca Chapter 1849, E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans
Location. 37° 30.116′ N, 120° 14.31′ W. Marker is in Hornitos, California, in Mariposa County. It is at the intersection of Bear Valley Road and Low Street, on the left when traveling north on Bear Valley Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2889 Bear Valley Road, Hornitos CA 95325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: D. Ghirardelli & Co. (a few steps from this marker); Old Wells Fargo Office (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hornitos (within shouting distance of this marker); Hornitos Masonic Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Plaza Adobe (about 300 feet away); Hornitos Masonic Hall No. 98 (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Hornitos (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Hornitos (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hornitos.
Photographed by Liam Williams, April 25, 2026
2. Merck Building with Hornitos Marker
Marker is visible on the side of the building facing the street
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2026, by Liam Williams of Irvine, California. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 29, 2026, by Liam Williams of Irvine, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
