Highway 49--Gold Rush Country

Introduction to Mariposa

Named for the butterflies that are seen in abundance here, Mariposa county comprised 1/5 of the state when California became a state in 1850. Today the county has only 18,000 residents and no traffic lights.  The compact town of Mariposa itself has a Historic Downtown District with a raised sidewalk and wall-to-wall vintage buildings holding a variety of unique shops and restaurants.  Described as “above the fog, below the snow,” the town gets approximately 300 days per year of sunshine and makes a good jumping-off spot for visiting Yosemite. 
                                                             

While here, stop in at the Mariposa County Courthouse.  Operating within a Greek Revival-style  building, it is the oldest continually operated courthouse west of the Rockies--since 1854.  You are welcome to visit the working courtroom upstairs. 

Mariposa Country Courthouse in Mariposa, California

More things to do in Mariposa. 

Things to do in Yosemite area.

More things to do in Gold Rush Country. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers