Near Mariposa in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bridgeport
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2011
1. Bridgeport Marker
Inscription.
Bridgeport. . 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.
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.
Location. 37° 26.009′ N, 120° 0.226′ W. Marker is near Mariposa, California, in Mariposa County. Marker
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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.
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 918 times since then and 36 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.
