Near El Portal in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Site of Savage’s Trading Post
By Karen Key, March 23, 2007
1. Site of Savage's Trading Post Marker
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.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. 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. Marker is on CA Highway 140, on
By Karen Key, March 23, 2007
2. Site of Savage's Trading Post Marker
this page online
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).
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.)
By Karen Key, March 23, 2007
3. Merced River across the road
Credits. This page was last revised on November 6, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 3,432 times since then and 11 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.
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