On State Highway 49 south of Bear Valley Road, on the left when traveling south.
Headquarters of Col. John C. Fremont, world-famous American, who, in 1847, purchased a floating Mexican grant of 44,000 acres for $3000. After gold was discovered, he floated his grant to include the Mother Lode gold belt from Mariposa to Merced . . . — — Map (db m5958) HM
First called Johnsonville, Bear Valley had a population of 3,000 including Chinese, Cornish and Mexicans during 1850-60 when Col. John C Fremont's Pine Tree and Josephine mines were producing. Fremont's elegant hotel "Oso House", built with lumber . . . — — Map (db m129139) HM
Bedrock mortars were made by Native California Women. The cup shapes were worn smooth by repeated pounding and grinding for use in processing food. Both the Washoe and Miwuk Tribes traversed and summered in this high Central Sierra Region. Although . . . — — Map (db m10998) HM
On State Highway 49, on the right when traveling south.
General John C. Fremont, 1813-1890. A noted military man, explorer, topographer, senator & businessman, Fremont was also a miner. He settled in Mariposa County living just outside Bear Valley. He operated the Josephine, Pine Tree & Princeton mines . . . — — Map (db m5783) HM
On Golden Chain Highway (State Highway 49) south of Utah Street, on the left when traveling north.
Built originally in 1878 by John Haley, named after his wife, Gertrude. It was situated at the base of Potters Ridge across the Fresno River in Fresno County. In 1893 the school was relocated to the Crooks Ranch. In 1913 a new school was built at . . . — — Map (db m298254) HM
Through his life’s dreams and efforts. Thousands enjoy skiing, good water, scenic meadows and preservation of Bear Valley’s natural beauty.
In Appreciation — — Map (db m10965) HM
On State Highway 49, on the right when traveling south.
Originally named Tower Rock, May Rock is the largest outcropping of quartz along the Mother Lode. This 82 foot high formation contains no gold ore. Most gold ore within quartz is at greater depths in the earth.
It was part of Colonel John C. . . . — — Map (db m301007) HM
On State Highway 49 north of Bear Valley Road, on the right when traveling south.
Louis Trabucco was born in 1821 and emigrated from Italy in 1847. He opened his first store in Bear Valley in 1856. After becoming successful in his Mariposa mining and business ventures he returned to Italy and married 19 year old Elena . . . — — Map (db m46374) HM
Near Station House Road just west of Toll Gate Road.
This Sierra Crossing used by Jedediah Smith 1821 - Major John Ebbetts 1850 - Snowshoe Thompson 1856-76 - Gold Seekers 1850's. Old road left Carson Pass Road in Hope Valley, crossed Border Ruffian Pass to Hermit Valley, Pacific Summit and through . . . — — Map (db m10730) HM
About 200 yards offshore, in what was once Silver Valley lies the Reynold’s House. This house appears on an 1878 General Land Office map and was probably one of the many road houses along the route that catered to tourists and travelers. Reynold’s . . . — — Map (db m10999) HM
