HORNITOS, CA
Hornitos was founded in 1850 by Mexican miners who were expelled from nearby Quartzburg.
When
Quartzburg dried out, the miners moved to Hornitos where the diggings
were rich. At its peak, Hornitos ("little ovens") had a population of
several thousand and the reputation of being the roughest town in
Mariposa county.
Today, Hornitos is a sleepy little village filled with structures from the gold rush days. Among the ruins are the walls of the Ghirardelli store, where Domingo Ghirardelli traded with the miners before moving to San Francisco in 1852 to found his chocolate company. The remains of the store is still owned by the Ghirardelli company.
Hornitos is a bit off the beaten path, being off of California State Route 49 about 15 miles west of Mariposa in Mariposa County.
Hornitos was one of the rowdiest of the early "whoopee" towns, being frequented by outlaw Joaquin Murrieta.
It was founded by Sonorans, and their influence is seen in the Mexican-style plaza with buildings clustered around it.
Don't Touch Anything!
Take Only Pictures!
Leave on FOOTPRINTS!