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

Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2011

1. Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail Marker

Inscription. This 33 X 26 foot structure was built in 1858 from granite blocks quarried near Mormon Bar at a cost of 14,744.00 by J.O. Lovejoy. It originally had two stories and a gallows at the east end. In 1892 a fire gutted the building, taking the life of its only occupant, Thomas Truit. Reconstruction called for the removal of the upper story, the surplus granite to be used as retaining walls at the fairgrounds. Several prisoners have escaped over the years, usually by overpowering the guards. In 1935 two inmates escaped with outside help. Rivets were cut, and iron plate removed, and a stone block worked loose. Both escapees were captured in Oregon. The Old Stone Jail was condemned in 1963 and replace by a facility near the courthouse. Dedicated by Matuca Chapter 1849
E Clampus Vitus June 9, 1979
Rededicated with new plaque
April 4, 1992
By Matuca Chapter (5997)

Erected 1979 by E Clampus Vitus, Matuca Chapter No. 1849.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1867.

Location. 37° 29.066′ N, 119° 57.81′ W. Marker is in Mariposa, California, in Mariposa County. It

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is on Bullion Street, on the left when traveling south. The Old Stone Jail is located between Fourth and Fifth Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5012 Bullion Street, 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 walking distance of this marker: The Challenge Saloon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Schlageter Hotel (about 400 feet away); Simon Wormser's Hardware Store (about 400 feet away); John Trabucco Building (about 400 feet away); Fremont Adobe (about 400 feet away); Capital Saloon (about 500 feet away); Mariposa Restaurant (about 500 feet away); Mariposa Meat Market (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mariposa.

Also see . . .
1. The Mariposa County Jail. The old jail, while still looking capable of confining even the most heinous desperados, hasn’t held a prisoner since it was condemned in 1963. (Submitted on August 27, 2011.)

2. Jail History. (Submitted on August 27, 2011.)

Additional keywords. jails

Photographed by Mandy Kirby

2. Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail Marker

Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2011

3. Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail

The marker is to the left of the entrance.

The Only Entrance to the Old Stone Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2011

4. The Only Entrance to the Old Stone Jail

Strong Bars on the Old Stone Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2011

5. Strong Bars on the Old Stone Jail

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2011

6. Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 2,633 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 24, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 2. submitted on October 24, 2018, by Mandy Kirby of Clovis, California. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 24, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of original plaque. • Can you help?