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

Wassama Village

Photographed By Michael Kindig, May 22, 2011

1. Wassama Village Marker

Inscription. The village of Wassama (leaves falling) is the site of the last above ground southern Miwok Roundhouse built in 1903. Religious ceremonies, dancing and gambling took place on the site until 1937. Southern Miwok dances including the 1870 Ghost Dance, are known to have been performed in the roundhouse. The village also contains a cemetery, cremation site and mourning area. Originally the Miwok practiced cremation, but this was later discouraged by Spanish Padres and ground burial was encouraged.

Erected 1986 by Grub Gulch Chapter No. 41-49, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.

Location. 37° 22.452′ N, 119° 43.362′ W. Marker is in Ahwahnee, California, in Madera County. Marker is on Round House Road north of Golden Chain Highway (California Highway 49), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 42783 Round House Road, 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 Roundhouse (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ahwahnee Tavern (approx. 0.7 miles away); Gertrude School (approx. 1.6 miles away);

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Shay's Blacksmith Shop & Canary Cottage (approx. 3 miles away); Bissett Station (approx. 3.6 miles away); Grub Gulch (approx. 4.4 miles away); Gold Rush Entertainment Lives On (approx. 4.4 miles away); Highway 49 - The Golden Chain (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ahwahnee.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, May 22, 2011

2. Wassama Village Marker

Wassama Roundhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, May 22, 2011

3. Wassama Roundhouse

Photographed By Michael Kindig, May 22, 2011

4. Wassama Roundhouse

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 639 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 13, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.