Bridgeport in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
First Bridgeport Courthouse
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
1. First Bridgeport Courthouse Marker
With the relocation of the county seat to Bridgeport in 1864, a new courthouse was needed. A survey of the town revealed only one suitable building – the American Hotel (owned by J. C. Kingsley). Subsequently the hotel was purchased by Mono County and converted into a courthouse, which also housed the offices of all county officials until it was replaced by a larger and more modern facility in 1881.
Many a “Badman from Bodie” saw justice in this courthouse during its tenure (1864-1881). One noteworthy trial resulted in the death penalty, when Chow Yew was convicted of murder on December 12, 1878.
Although, today, only remnants can be found of the first Bridgeport Courthouse, it made a lasting contribution to the legal legacy of Mono County.
Dedicated September 10, 2005
Bodie Chapter No. 64
E Clampus Vitus
Erected 2005 by Bodie Chapter No. 64, E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings
this page online
Location. 38° 15.432′ N, 119° 13.397′ W. Marker is in Bridgeport, California, in Mono County. Marker is on Court Street, 0.1 miles California Route 182, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bridgeport CA 93517, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Bridgeport Inn" (approx. ¼ mile away); Frontier Justice (approx. ¼ mile away); Old County Jail (approx. ¼ mile away); Bridgeport Chronicle-Union (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mono County Court House (approx. 0.3 miles away); "The Irwin" (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mono County Memorial Hall (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bridgeport Elementary School (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgeport.
Regarding First Bridgeport Courthouse. Mono County was formed by the California legislature in 1861 with Aurora as the county seat. The first Mono County Courthouse was in a brick building located there. In September 1863, however, the “Sage Brush Survey” determined that Aurora was, in fact, just across the border in Nevada. Currently a ghost town, Aurora is located about 20 miles from Bridgeport (over dirt roads), and is the site
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
2. First Bridgeport Courthouse Marker
(The building in the background is an abandoned house - not the courthouse.)
Choosing to have a California town as the Mono County seat, the county offices were moved to Bridgeport. The only suitable building existing at the time to house the second Mono County Courthouse was the American Hotel (owned by J. C. Kingsley). No remnants of this first Bridgeport Courthouse, (the second Mono County Courthouse) remain to be seen.
The third Mono County Courthouse, an imposing Italianate structure on Main Street in Bridgeport, is the second oldest continuously-used courthouse in California.
Ceramic models of all three courthouses are located in the Mono County Library on School Street.
Photographed By Lester J Letson, September 11, 2010
3. Hays Street access to marker
Marker is on the other side of a creek and is accessible from town by taking this footbridge at the end of Hays Street. Marker can be seen on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,173 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 25, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on September 23, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Pictures of the three ceramic courthouse models. • Can you help?
