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

Fremont Adobe

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2013

1. Fremont Adobe Marker

Inscription. The oldest building in Mariposa, and the only 3 story adobe building still in use in the state of California.

Erected in 1850 by Col. John C. Fremont and wife Jessie for Palmer Cook & Co., lease holders for the Mariposa Mine and Fremont’s agents. The original adobe was damaged by a major fire in 1866. The exterior walls on the south, east and north side were damaged but not destroyed. The owner, Louis Felbuch, rebuilt the damaged portions with fire proof brick. The three story adobe section in the rear held living quarters and storage. The building has also been used as Stahl Bros. Coffee Saloon and Bakery, Felbush Watch Maker, John Higman Dry Goods, Gordon’s Hotel and Mariposa Restaurant, Ingersol Rand Mining Machinery and Assay, and the Gold Coin Club and Restaurant.

Cornelious E. Vejer painted the large murals in the interior around 1900 for the Gordon Hotel.

Two year restoration by owner
Helen Kwalwasser
completed in 2011

Erected 2012.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 37° 29.061′ N, 119° 57.9′ W. Marker is in Mariposa, California, in Mariposa County. It is at the intersection of St. Charles Street

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(California Route 140) and 5th Street, on the left when traveling north on St. Charles Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5025 St Charles 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: Capital Saloon (a few steps from this marker); Mariposa Meat Market (a few steps from this marker); Simon Wormser's Hardware Store (a few steps from this marker); Schlageter Hotel (a few steps from this marker); John Trabucco Building (a few steps from this marker); Bogan & Company (within shouting distance of this marker); California Highway Patrol and Department of Motor Vehicles (within shouting distance of this marker); Mariposa Restaurant (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mariposa.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2013

2. Fremont Adobe Marker

Marker to the right of the entrance.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 2,106 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 25, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.