Site of Savage's Trading Post

Read what the board actually claims. A volunteer battalion formed, the most warlike tribe was pursued, their secret hide-out was discovered, and the war was brought to a quick end. What happened was that Savage led the Mariposa Battalion up this river in March 1851, burned the village and the acorn caches, and marched Tenaya's people to the Fresno River reservation, where they arrived in June. The valley they discovered was called Ahwahnee, and the people the board calls a tribe are the Ahwahneechee, of the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation.

What the plaque says

Site of Savage's Trading Post Here in 1849, James D. Savage, established a store built of logs. He engaged in trading and mining and married several squaws, for protection and influence. In spring of 1850, fearing Indian depredations, he moved to Mariposa Creek. In December, his store and others were pillaged and burned and a real war began. A volunteer battalion was formed and Savage elected Major. In pursuit of the most warlike tribe their secret hide-out, Yosemite Valley, was discovered, and the war brought to a quick end. Major Savage was killed by a political opponent, August, 1852. Several years later one of his widows guided John Hite, a poor prospector, a few miles up this south fork to discover a gold mine that made him a millionaire.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Mariposa County Courthouse — 12 mi
• Mormon Bar — 14 mi
• Agua Fria — 14 mi
• Bear Valley — 14 mi