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

Wassama Roundhouse

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2011

1. Wassama Roundhouse Marker

Inscription. Dating prior to the 1860s, the Wassama Roundhouse was reconstructed in 1985 on the location of the previous four houses. In 1903, the third roundhouse was built using portions of the center pole from the two earlier houses. The Roundhouse served as the focal point of spiritual and ceremonial life for many Native Californians. The Wassama Roundhouse continues to serve this purpose.

Erected 1992 by California State Department of Parks and Recreation and Grub Gulch Chapter 41-49 E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 1001.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1985.

Location. 37° 22.167′ N, 119° 43.527′ W. Marker is near Ahwahnee, California, in Madera County. Marker is at the intersection of Road 628 and California Highway 49 on Road 628. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 42753 Road 628, Ahwahnee CA 93601, 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. Wassama Village (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ahwahnee Tavern (approx. 0.8 miles away); Gertrude School (approx. 1.2 miles away); Shay's Blacksmith Shop & Canary Cottage

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(approx. 2.6 miles away); Bissett Station (approx. 3.8 miles away); Grub Gulch (approx. 4 miles away); Gold Rush Entertainment Lives On (approx. 4½ miles away); Yosemite Stage Route (approx. 4.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ahwahnee.

Also see . . . Wasama Village - Historic American Landscapes Survey. (Submitted on September 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2011

2. Wassama Roundhouse Marker

Wassama Roundhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mandy Kirby

3. Wassama Roundhouse

Wassama Roundhouse Model image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mandy Kirby

4. Wassama Roundhouse Model

Grinding Rock image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mandy Kirby

5. Grinding Rock

Credits. This page was last revised on January 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 929 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 4, 2019, by Mandy Kirby of Clovis, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the roundhouse building. • Can you help?