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

Mormon Bar

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 18, 2011

1. Mormon Bar Marker

Inscription. In 1849, a group of Mormons established a tent encampment near here while searching for land to farm. After an influx of gold miners the Mormons moved on. Next came thousands of Chinese miners, merchants and farmers. Mormon Bar became the largest Chinese community in Mariposa County boasting a hotel, blacksmith shop, stores and gambling dens. Mormon Bar 1860 election returns reported the secession candidates defeated the union candidates 21 to 17. In 1864 President Abraham Lincoln received 11 votes in the Mormon precinct. Mormon Bar was an important stagecoach stop for travelers to and from Yosemite. Granite used in building the Mariposa jail was quarried near here. Archaeological evidence shows that Native Americans lived in the area long before the Mormons arrived.

Erected 2003 by E Clampus Vitus, Matuca Chapter No. 1849. (Marker Number 323.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the E Clampus Vitus, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 37° 27.805′ N, 119° 56.869′ W. Marker is near Mariposa, California, in Mariposa County

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. It is on Fairgrounds Road east of California Highway 49, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5035 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa CA 95338, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Gold Country

and in the 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: California State Mining and Mineral Museum (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (approx. 1½ miles away); a different marker also named St. Joseph's Catholic Church (approx. 1½ miles away); Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail (approx. 1.7 miles away); The Challenge Saloon (approx. 1.7 miles away); Simon Wormser's Hardware Store (approx. 1.7 miles away); Schlageter Hotel (approx. 1.7 miles away); Fremont Adobe (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mariposa.

Regarding Mormon Bar. In 1939 this site was designated California Historical Landmark No. 323 - Mormon Bar.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer

2. Mormon Bar Marker

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 18, 2011

3. Mormon Bar Marker

Photographed by Mandy Kirby, circa October 20, 2018

4. Mormon Bar Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 2,236 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 23, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on October 21, 2018, by Mandy Kirby of Clovis, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.