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

Bracken Fern and Baskets

Photographed By Eric Polk, June 2008

1. Bracken Fern and Baskets Marker

Click on photo to view graphics and drawings displayed on marker.

Inscription. Just above Mirror Lake, bracken ferns grow in large tracts. The root-like portion of the fern (rhizome) is favored for making the black designs in Southern Miwok and Mono Lake Paiute baskets. Because of the rich sandy sediments here, bracken fern rhizomes reach lengths of more than six feet, which made them a valuable item for the Miwok to trade to the Paiutes.

The End of an Era The 1849 Gold Rush brought tragedy and irreversible changes to the local Indian people. Europeans invaded Miwok homelands, leaving about 90% of the local people dead. By the 1860s, those remaining in Yosemite found themselves homeless and without rights. Still, the people survived. Many of their descendants live in the local area today.

Erected by Yosemite Fund.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 37° 44.897′ N, 119° 33.012′ W. Marker is in Yosemite National Park, California, in Mariposa County. The marker is located along the Mirror Lake Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yosemite National Park CA 95389, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Visitors at Mirror Lake (within shouting distance of this marker); A Seasonal Lake

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Selling the Sublime (within shouting distance of this marker); Mirror Lake Resources (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Natural Dam (about 600 feet away); Happy Isles Gaging Station (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Ahwahnee Porte Cochere (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Grand Lodge (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yosemite National Park.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2015, by Eric Polk of Lakewood, California. This page has been viewed 509 times since then and 22 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on March 26, 2015, by Eric Polk of Lakewood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide area view of the marker and its surroundings. • Photo of the area above Mirror Lake. • Can you help?