Agua Fria, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Agua Fria
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 Agua Fria
Location in California
Agua Fria
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Mariposa County |
| Elevation | 2,001 ft (610 m) |
| Reference #: | 518 |
Agua Fria is a small, undeveloped area in Mariposa County, California. Its name means "Cold Water" in Spanish. It is located about 5.25 miles (8.45 km) northeast of Catheys Valley. This area sits at an elevation of 2001 feet (610 meters). Agua Fria was once the first county seat for Mariposa County. It is found about three miles west of the town of Mariposa, California.
Contents
The Story of Agua Fria
Agua Fria began as a busy mining camp during the California Gold Rush. It was split into two parts: Lower Agua Fria and Upper Agua Fria. The name "Agua Fria" came from two cold water springs nearby. These springs were about a quarter mile below the main part of town. Some people believe that John C. Fremont's men found gold here in 1849. This happened on his large land area called Rancho Las Mariposas.
A Booming Gold Rush Town
By 1850, Agua Fria was a very active trading center. Many new people arriving in California came here. It became Mariposa County's first official Seat of Justice (county seat). This means it was the main place for government and courts. It held this role from February 18, 1850, until November 10, 1851. A post office also opened in Agua Fria on October 7, 1851.
Life in the Mining Camp
In 1853, a special machine called a 6-stamp quartz mill was built in Upper Agua Fria. This machine helped crush rocks to find gold. The mining camp had many businesses by the fall of 1850. There was a hotel, an express office for mail, and places for assayers to test gold. People could also play games in a billiard room or a bowling alley. There were also about a dozen stores. Many people lived in tents and log cabins.
Decline and Fires
However, the population of Agua Fria started to shrink in the mid-1800s. The town also suffered from big fires that destroyed many buildings. After these fires, the town was never rebuilt. This led to its decline.
Moving the County Seat
In 1854, John Charles "Charlie" Fremont decided to move the Mariposa County seat. He moved it from Agua Fria to the town of Mariposa. The beautiful white Mariposa County Courthouse was built in Mariposa that same year. This courthouse is still standing today. It is the oldest courthouse in California that is still used for court cases. The post office in Agua Fria continued to operate for a while. It stayed open from 1851 until 1862.
Agua Fria Today
Today, Agua Fria is known as a ghost town. There isn't much to see there except for grassy fields. You can reach the area by taking Agua Fria Road. This road leads towards Mount Bullion and the site of Princeton. It can also be used as another way to get into Mariposa. The land where Agua Fria once stood is private property. It is also recognized as a California Historical Landmark with the number 518.
See also
In Spanish: Agua Fria (condado de Mariposa) para niños
