Touching a piece of history can be compelling, especially when combined with an equally compelling setting far from the madding crowd. Santa Cruz (sacred or holy cross) Cemetery offers an intriguing window into Gold Country’s legendary past and a pastoral foothill landscape reminiscent of early California before the world rushed in. At the entrance an interesting stone monument placed by E Clampus Vitus reveals a brief history of the place, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
It is immensely peaceful, and the softly rolling lowland hills are so easy on the eye. Located near the Mariposa/Merced County line, the scenery flows in all directions without autos, artificial distractions, and human noise. Except for the occasional bellow of a mama …show more content…
Businesses included a general store, blacksmith shops, livery stables, a fandango hall (dance hall/bar) and a hotel. Enterprising Italian shop owner Antonio Chichizola moved to San Francisco and became the first president of what became Bank of America.
Originally, the community was known as Santa Cruz. Established in 1849, it was one of the earliest settlements in Mariposa County. Local lore states it was settled by Mexican miners who had been forced out of nearby Hornitos. Mining activity centered around Santa Cruz Mountain, but gold was elusive and not very profitable.
When the time came to have a post office, there was another town in California with the same name. Indian Gulch was selected, probably for two nearby Native American settlements along the creek at each end of the town. The post office operated from 1855 to 1912.
Commerce declined and then died about 1900. A few old timers stayed on and started cattle ranching. Angie Solari, daughter of pioneer resident and store owner, was the last person in town and passed away there in …show more content…
The drive alone on empty country byways is worthy of your time. Besides the little graveyard, the countryside is a fine locale to take easy hikes through the gentle terrain.
The road past the cemetery, Indian Gulch Extension, eventually leads to Bear Creek Road in Merced. Or, head back to the road split, bear right and walk as far as your feet are willing. Ultimately, in 13 miles, the road tees into Highway 140 next to a Forest Service facility.
Spring is perhaps the ideal time to visit, but late fall and winter are also pleasant. Between late February an early May, temperatures are mild and newly minted grasses blanket the landscape as far as the eye can see. Wildflowers, too, sprinkle the hills, lending their quiet beauty to the scenery.
As the thermometer climbs, luxuriant green grasses turn golden. When the wind prowls over these lion-colored hills the grasses race along as if they were live things. Regardless of the season, to a native Californian this environment is a handsome and familiar sight, distilling the very essence of Sierra foothill
It is immensely peaceful, and the softly rolling lowland hills are so easy on the eye. Located near the Mariposa/Merced County line, the scenery flows in all directions without autos, artificial distractions, and human noise. Except for the occasional bellow of a mama …show more content…
Businesses included a general store, blacksmith shops, livery stables, a fandango hall (dance hall/bar) and a hotel. Enterprising Italian shop owner Antonio Chichizola moved to San Francisco and became the first president of what became Bank of America.
Originally, the community was known as Santa Cruz. Established in 1849, it was one of the earliest settlements in Mariposa County. Local lore states it was settled by Mexican miners who had been forced out of nearby Hornitos. Mining activity centered around Santa Cruz Mountain, but gold was elusive and not very profitable.
When the time came to have a post office, there was another town in California with the same name. Indian Gulch was selected, probably for two nearby Native American settlements along the creek at each end of the town. The post office operated from 1855 to 1912.
Commerce declined and then died about 1900. A few old timers stayed on and started cattle ranching. Angie Solari, daughter of pioneer resident and store owner, was the last person in town and passed away there in …show more content…
The drive alone on empty country byways is worthy of your time. Besides the little graveyard, the countryside is a fine locale to take easy hikes through the gentle terrain.
The road past the cemetery, Indian Gulch Extension, eventually leads to Bear Creek Road in Merced. Or, head back to the road split, bear right and walk as far as your feet are willing. Ultimately, in 13 miles, the road tees into Highway 140 next to a Forest Service facility.
Spring is perhaps the ideal time to visit, but late fall and winter are also pleasant. Between late February an early May, temperatures are mild and newly minted grasses blanket the landscape as far as the eye can see. Wildflowers, too, sprinkle the hills, lending their quiet beauty to the scenery.
As the thermometer climbs, luxuriant green grasses turn golden. When the wind prowls over these lion-colored hills the grasses race along as if they were live things. Regardless of the season, to a native Californian this environment is a handsome and familiar sight, distilling the very essence of Sierra foothill