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Mormon Bar, California facts for kids

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Mormon Bar
A south view of Mormon Bar, c. between 1858 and 1860
A south view of Mormon Bar, c. between 1858 and 1860
Mormon Bar is located in California
Mormon Bar
Mormon Bar
Location in California
Mormon Bar is located in the United States
Mormon Bar
Mormon Bar
Location in the United States
Country  United States
State  California
County Mariposa County
Elevation
540 m (1,772 ft)
Reference #: 323

Mormon Bar is a small, unincorporated community in Mariposa County, California. It's not a city or town with its own local government. It is located about 2 miles (3.2 km) south-southeast of Mariposa. The area sits at an elevation of 1772 feet (540 meters) above sea level. You can find Mormon Bar near State Route 49.

What is Mormon Bar?

Mormon Bar is a historic place that was once a busy mining camp. Today, it is mostly a quiet area. It is sometimes called a ghost town because many of its original buildings are gone. However, it still holds a special place in California's history.

Mormon Bar Mariposa
A standalone house at Mormon Bar

How Did Mormon Bar Get Its Name?

Mormon Bar got its name from a group of people called Mormons. These were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They settled in the area during the winter of 1849-1850.

Early Settlers and the Gold Rush

The first people to mine for gold here were veterans from the Mormon Battalion. This was a group of Mormon soldiers who served in the Mexican-American War. After their service ended in 1847, some of them came to California. They started mining for gold in Mormon Bar in 1849.

However, these first miners did not stay very long. Soon, other miners arrived and took over the site. They were all hoping to strike it rich during the exciting time of the California Gold Rush.

A Diverse Mining Community

Mormon Bar was home to many different people during the Gold Rush. At one point, a large number of Chinese miners lived and worked there. They played an important role in the community's history.

Mormon Bar: A California Historical Landmark

Mormon Bar is recognized as California Historical Landmark #323. This means it is an important historical site in California. These landmarks help us remember and learn about significant events and places from the past.

Being a historical landmark helps protect the site. It also teaches people about the early days of the Gold Rush. Mormon Bar is a reminder of the many people who came to California seeking their fortunes.

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