Oakhurst in Madera County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Grinding Holes

Sosse (Miwuk)

Photographed by Liam Williams, April 27, 2026

1. Grinding Holes Marker

Inscription. The holes in this granite boulder represent traditional mortars that were used as a community mill for grinding acorns. Stones were used in the holes as pestles. During the acorn harvest, entire families would go out and collect the acorns. The women would then prepare the acorns by shelling and using a mortar and pestle to grind them into flour.

After being ground, the acorn flour would undergo a lengthy process to leach the bitter tannins from the acorns. After the tannins were leached, the acorn flour was much sweeter and could be used to make soups, mush, and even bread. The preparation of acorns was not just a necessity, it was also a time for social connection during which the women could talk amongst themselves and share stories of their lives.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 37° 19.799′ N, 119° 38.363′ W. Marker is in Oakhurst, California, in Madera County. It can be reached from the intersection of School Road and Indian Springs Road, on the right when traveling west. This marker is located on the grounds of the Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 49777 School Road, Oakhurst CA 93644, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley,

specifically in the Central Valley,

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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

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are within walking distance of this marker: Acorn Granary (here, next to this marker); Local Indigenous Dwellings (here, next to this marker); Oakhurst Centennial (within shouting distance of this marker); Giant Sequoia Cutting (approx. half a mile away); Old French Trail (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fresno Flats Townsite (approx. 0.6 miles away); Little Church on the Hill (approx. 0.7 miles away); Highway 49 - The Golden Chain (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakhurst.

Stone mill and Grinding Holes marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Liam Williams, April 27, 2026

2. Stone mill and Grinding Holes marker

Photographed by Liam Williams, April 27, 2026

3. Stone mill

A second example of a stone mill/grinding holes at Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park

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 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 29, 2026, by Liam Williams of Irvine, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.