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

Site of Savage’s Trading Post

Photographed by Karen Key, March 23, 2007

1. Site of Savage's Trading Post Marker

Inscription. Here in 1849, James D. Savage established a store built of logs. He engaged in trading and mining and married several squaws for protection and influence. In spring of 1850, fearing Indian depredations, he moved to Mariposa Creek. In December, his store and others were pillaged and burned and a real war began. A volunteer battalion was formed and Savage elected Major. In pursuit of the most warlike tribe their secret hide-out, Yosemite Valley, was discovered, and the war brought to a quick end.

Major Savage was killed by a political opponent, August 1852. Several years later one of his widows guided John Hite, a poor prospector, a few miles up this south fork to discover a gold mine that made him a millionaire. (Marker Number 527.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 37° 39.245′ N, 119° 53.275′ W. Marker is near El Portal, California, in Mariposa County.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

It is on CA Highway 140, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: El Portal CA 95318, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s 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 5 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Yosemite Valley Railroad (approx. 5.7 miles away); Whitlock Mining District (approx. 7.4 miles away); A Storied Landscape (approx. 8.9 miles away); Mt. Buckingham School (approx. 10 miles away); Coulterville Toll Road (approx. 10.3 miles away).

Regarding Site of Savage’s Trading Post. In 1955 this was designated California Historical Landmark No. 527.

Also see . . . Pathways: A Story of Trails and Men (1968). CHAPTER III James D. Savage, Indian Fighter, and Explorer of Yosemite Valley (Submitted on March 30, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California.)

Additional keywords. California Historical Landmark

Photographed by Karen Key, March 23, 2007

2. Site of Savage's Trading Post Marker

Merced River across the road image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Karen Key, March 23, 2007

3. Merced River across the road

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 6,170 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 30, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.