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

Indian Gulch

Established 1849

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 8, 2010

1. Indian Gulch Marker

Inscription. Indian Gulch was one of the earliest settlements in Mariposa County. Originally called Santa Cruz. The town adapted the new name when the post office opened as another Santa Cruz already existed. James Morton was the first postmaster. During its heyday, Indian Gulch had several hundred residents. The Catholic Church, school, hotels and saloons flourished. J. G. J. Moray, a Frenchman, opened the first mercantile store, The French Company. The later notorious Joaquin Murietta was employed here. Another prominent merchant, Antonio Chichizola, later moved to San Francisco and became the first president of the Bank of Italy, now the Bank of America. Andrew Cathay settled here in 1852. before starting the farming community of Cathey's Valley. The last descendent of pioneer family, Angie Solari, died-1980.

Erected 1995 by Matuca Chapter 1849, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 37° 26.333′ N, 120° 11.817′ W. Marker is in Hornitos, California, in Mariposa County. Marker is on Indian Gulch Extension, 0.2 miles south of Indian Gulch Road, on the right when traveling

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south. About 4 miles south of Hornitos on Indian Gulch Extension, just off of Indian Gulch Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Indian Gulch Extension, Hornitos CA 95325, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hornitos (approx. 4.9 miles away); Hornitos Masonic Hall No. 98 (approx. 4.9 miles away); Hornitos Masonic Hall (approx. 4.9 miles away); Old Wells Fargo Office (approx. 4.9 miles away); D. Ghirardelli & Co. (approx. 4.9 miles away); a different marker also named Hornitos (approx. 5 miles away); a different marker also named Hornitos (approx. 5 miles away); St. Catherine Catholic Church (approx. 5 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hornitos.

More about this marker. Marker sits just outside the Santa Cruz Cemetery. The last reamining building sits down the road from the cemetery.

Also see . . . Indian Gulch - A Ghost Town. Additional information and photos on Indian Gulch. (Submitted on December 3, 2010.)

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 8, 2010

2. Indian Gulch Marker

An Indian grinding rock is set into the framework around the monument stone. Just to the right of the marker is another stack of stones that marks the location of the Holy Cross Catholic Church that was moved to the Mariposa Museum and History Center in 1973.

Holy Cross Catholic Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown, circa bef 1973

3. Holy Cross Catholic Church

The Holy Cross Catholic Church served the town of Indian Gulch until the town members drifted away. An attempt was made to save the church and it was moved to the Mariposa Museum and History Center in 1973. A fire in the 1980s destroyed the church that so many had tried to save.

Santa Cruz Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 8, 2010

4. Santa Cruz Cemetery

The pioneer cemetery in Indian Gulch.

Holy Cross Catholic Church Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 8, 2010

5. Holy Cross Catholic Church Marker

Marker sits behind the Indian Gulch marker in the Santa Cruz cemetery.
Site of
Holy Cross
Catholic Church
Built in 1885 and moved
to the Historic Center
In Mariposa in 1979.

Solari Store, Indian Gulch image. Click for full size.

unknown, from a flyer on Indian Gulch, circa 1930

6. Solari Store, Indian Gulch

The Solari Store as it looked in the 1930's, one of two structures remaining in what was once a vibrant town.

Solari Store, Indian Gulch, 2010 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 8, 2010

7. Solari Store, Indian Gulch, 2010

The building that was the Solari Store is still standing and is recognizable from the 1930's photo. The original stucture is holding up well, but the add-on to the left has been decaying much quicker than the rest of the building. The small building to the far left in the 1930's picture is completely gone.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 2,108 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 3, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.