Oakhurst in Madera County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Old French Trail
1878 - 1930
Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 12, 2012
1. Old French Trail Marker
It connected the mining camps of Mammoth City, Mill City, Mineral Park and Pine City with Fresno Flats. The one way fare was 15 dollars per person and 20 lbs free weight was 8 cents per pound.
After the mines failed in the 1880's, the trail was used as the route from Fresno Flats to Mammoth by ranchers, sheep herders, prespectors and the U S Forest Svs until the 1930's. Although remnents are all that remain of the Old French Trail, it made a big impact on the growth of Madera and Mono Counties.
Erected 2004 by Grub Gulch Chapter #41 and Bodie Chapter# 64, E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.
Location. 37° 19.6′ N, 119° 38.967′ W. Marker is in Oakhurst, California, in Madera County. Marker is on Fresno Flats Road (Road 425B) ¼ mile south of Crane Valley Road (Road 426), on the left when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fresno Flats Townsite (within shouting distance of this marker); Highway 49 - The Golden Chain (approx. half a mile away); Oakhurst Centennial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Little Church on the Hill (approx. 0.6 miles away); Giant Sequoia Cutting (approx. 0.6 miles away); Gold Rush Entertainment Lives On (approx. 2½ miles away); Bissett Station (approx. 2.8 miles away); Madera Sugar Pine Flume (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakhurst.
More about this marker. This is the West end of the Old French Trail. There is a similar marker in Mono County to mark the East end of the trail.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Marker placed in Mono County at the east end of the trail.
Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 12, 2012
2. Old French Trail Marker with Fresno Flats building in background
A chain link fence preserves one of the buildings from the town of Fresno Flats that was the West end of the Old French Trail.
Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 12, 2012
3. Old French Trail Route Carved Into Wood
Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 12, 2012
4. Old French Trail Marker
An old building from the original Fresno Flats before the town of Oakhurst was established. The building was likely used by the town blacksmith.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 927 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 15, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
