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

Hornitos

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2011

1. Hornitos Marker

Inscription.
Started in 1850 by outcast Mexicans from nearby Quartzburg and given the name Hornitos, meaning “little ovens”, from the dome like rock and mud bake-ovens being used here by some Germans.
The whites soon gained predominance, the population grew to many thousands, and it became one of the richest and toughest of early mining camps.
Here Juaquin Murietta noted bandit chief had a hide-out and many friends. Wells Fargo and Co. established an office as early as 1852 to handle the millions produced by nearby mines. D. Ghirardelli of chocolate fame started his fortune by merchandising here. For over fifty years were enacted the annual religious customs of Old Mexico.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 37° 30.151′ N, 120° 14.3′ W. Marker is in Hornitos, California, in Mariposa County. Marker is on Bear Valley Road (County Road J16), on the right when traveling south. This marker is around the back of the Golden Stag Hall, laying against the side of the building. It was replaced by the newer wooden "Nearby Marker" Hornitos. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2886 Bear Valley Road, Hornitos CA 95325, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

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. A different marker also named Hornitos (within shouting distance of this marker); D. Ghirardelli & Co. (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Wells Fargo Office (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hornitos Masonic Hall (about 500 feet away); Hornitos Masonic Hall No. 98 (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Hornitos (about 500 feet away); Cavagnaro General Store (about 600 feet away); St. Catherine Catholic Church (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hornitos.

Also see . . . The ghosts and legends of Hornitos, CA. Weird Fresno website entry (Submitted on February 11, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2011

2. Hornitos Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 729 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.