Hornitos in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Hornitos
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 . 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 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.)
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 1,138 times since then and 40 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.