Near Bear Valley in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
May Rock
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 18, 2011
1. May Rock Marker
Originally named Tower Rock, May Rock is the largest outcropping of quartz along the Mother Lode. This 82 foot high formation contains no gold ore. Most gold ore within quartz is at greater depths in the earth.It was part of Colonel John C. Fremont’s1847 “Las Mariposas” 44,000 acre land grant and later owned by Louis Trabucco.
To celebrate May Day, people came from Bagby, Bear Valley, Elkhorn, Hornitos Mariposa, Quartzburg, and Princeton.
It became the central gathering place on May Day for picnics, races, music and a May Pole dance.
Jessie Fremont was an early organizer of these events and bestowed the name May Rock, in remembrance of the May Day picnic here.
May Rock is currently owned by Robert Bondshu, a descendant of the pioneer Bondshu, Hope, Halstead, and McGregor families of Mariposa County.
Erected 2010 by E Clampus Vitus, Matuca Chapter No. 1849.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bear Valley (approx. 2 miles away); a different marker also named Bear Valley (approx. 2 miles away); Mrs. E. Trabucco Store (approx. 2.1 miles away); Fremont’s Fort (approx. 3.3 miles away); La Mineta 1850 - Princeton 1854 - Mount Bullion 1862 (approx. 3.9 miles away); Bagby (approx. 4.9 miles away); The Townsite of Agua Fria, California (approx. 5.8 miles away); Agua Fria (approx. 6˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bear Valley.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 18, 2011
2. May Rock Marker
May Rock is seen in the background.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 18, 2011
3. May Rock
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,313 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 22, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
