Mariposa
As the county seat, visitors can feel the Old West as they stroll up the historic main street. Many of Mariposa's historic buildings hold interest to its visitors. The court house, built in 1854 is the oldest court house west of the Rockies still in continuous operation. Tours of the court house are scheduled on a daily basis and it is a treat to those seeking living history as actual cases are heard and decided upon in the original, historical seats of yesteryears.
Mariposa is also home to the California State Mining and Mineral Museum and the Mariposa History Museum, considered by many to be the best of the west. Experience the old days in the exhibits at the Mariposa Museum and History Center.
Mariposa is home to many fine hotels to provide comforts to its guests. As you walk the streets of Mariposa, you will gain a true feel of this small town appeal as you are greeted by friendly store owners, experience fine dining, and take in the sites. Our quaint, little town has a big presence among those seeking history of the Wild West and opportunities to join town celebrations, festivals and parades should not be missed.
Things to See
California State Mining and Mineral Exhibit
The exhibit is located 2 1/2 miles south of Mariposa town, at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, and is dedicated to helping families and students learn about the importance of mining and minerals to our history, our environment, and our future.
Come and take a trip back in time as you walk through out mine tunnel and see how gold was mined in the mid 1800's.
The museum houses California's official mineral collection that contains over 13,000 objects, including mining artifacts, rare specimens of crystalline gold, gem and mineral specimens from California and around the world.
We are proud to display the 201 ounce Fricot Nugget, a rare and beautiful specimen of crystallized gold discovered during the gold rush era. We also provide school tours relating to geology, rocks and minerals, the Gold Rush era, and mining history. Visit the Mineral Museum Web Site for more details.
Mariposa County Courthouse
The oldest courthouse still in use west of the Rocky Mountains. Constructed in 1854, it is one of the finest remaining examples of nineteenth century Greek revival architecture in the Mother Lode.
The years have seen many changes, additions, and deletions to the original structure, the most famous being the addition of the cupola and the clock. The clock is wound by cranking two weighted cables onto separate drums and is still hand cranked today. Listen for the bell as it bongs on the quarter hour. The courthouse is located on Bullion Street between Ninth and Tenth Streets.
Mariposa County History Museum
Located at 5119 Jessie Street in Mariposa was founded in 1957, it is considered by experts to be one of the best in the Sierra. There are displays of Native American life, early mining days, a large stamp mill, and a store from the 1800's. There is a docent on hand to answer visitor questions and gain the most from the experience.
Website: www.mariposamuseum.com
TRAVELING HIGHWAY 49?
Check out this web site for things to do and things to see when traveling the Historic Highway 49.
You'll find links to attractions, lodging, restaurants, maps and more.
MARIPOSA COUNTY'S OLD STONE JAIL
This 33 X 26 foot structure was built in 1858 from granite blocks quarried near Mormon Bar at a cost of $14,744.00 by J.O. Lovejoy. It orginally had two stories and a gallows at the east end. In 1892 a fire gutted the building, taking the life of it's only occupant, Thomas Truit. Reconstruction called for removal of the upper story, the surplus granite to be used as retaining walls at the Fairgrounds. Several prisoners have escaped over the years, usually by overpowering the guards. In 1935 two inmates escaped with outside help. Rivets were cut, an iron plate removed, and a stone block worked loose. Both escapees were captured in Oregon. The Old Stone Jail was condemned in 1963 and replaced by a facility near the Courthouse. The Old Stone Jail still stands at the west end of the town of Mariposa.
