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

Bridgeport

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2011

1. Bridgeport Marker

Inscription. In 1852 Andrew Church established a trading post where a road from the San Joaquin Valley, crossed the Agua Fria Creek. The site, known as Bridgeport, was on the Fremont Grant, about five miles south of Aqua Fria, first county seat of Mariposa County. Church’s store prospered as he sold supplies to travelers, farmers, and miners including 3000 local Chinese. The Washburn brothers of Wawona fame began their California endeavors as clerks in the trading post. As mining declined, Bridgeport faded, but survived as a stage stop for Yosemite-bound tourists. The old wagon road changed and improved, became the main route from Merced to Mariposa and Yosemite until the late 30’s. Road re-routing signaled the end for Bridgeport. It’s demise was slowed by local gold dredging and penny-ante poker in the back room of the old store.

Erected 1987 by E Clampus Vitus, Matuca Chapter No. 1849.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 37° 26.009′ N,

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120° 0.226′ W. Marker is near Mariposa, California, in Mariposa County. It is on Old Highway Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4104 Old Highway Road, Mariposa CA 95338, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Gold Country

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Agua Fria (approx. 3.3 miles away); a different marker also named Agua Fria (approx. 3.3 miles away); Mormon Bar (approx. 3.7 miles away); California State Mining and Mineral Museum (approx. 3.7 miles away); The Townsite of Agua Fria California (approx. 3.8 miles away); St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (approx. 4.1 miles away); a different marker also named St. Joseph's Catholic Church (approx.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2011

2. Bridgeport Marker

4.1 miles away); Simon Wormser's Hardware Store (approx. 4.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mariposa.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2011

3. Bridgeport Marker

Today's Bridge Over Aqua Fria Creek image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2011

4. Today's Bridge Over Aqua Fria Creek

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,399 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 4, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.