Ridleys Ferry, California facts for kids

Ridleys Ferry, later known as Benton Mills, was once a small community in Mariposa County, California. It was located on the south side of the Merced River, directly across from another community called Bagby. This area is now a historical site, reminding us of California's past.

What Was Ridleys Ferry?

Ridleys Ferry was a place where people could cross the Merced River. A ferry is a boat that carries people and goods from one side of a river to the other. This ferry was very important for travelers and miners during the exciting time of the California Gold Rush.

How Did Ridleys Ferry Get Its Name?

The settlement was named after Thomas E. Ridley. He was the person who ran the ferry service across the Merced River. Mr. Ridley operated his ferry from 1850 to 1852. This made the spot a busy crossing point for a few years.

Why Was It Renamed Benton Mills?

The land where Ridleys Ferry was located was part of a large area called Rancho Las Mariposas. This land was originally a grant from Mexico in 1844. In 1847, a famous explorer and politician named John C. Frémont bought this land.

During the California Gold Rush, gold was discovered in many places. To help process the gold, Frémont built a special machine called a stamp mill at Ridleys Ferry. A stamp mill crushes rocks to get the gold out. After building the mill, he renamed the settlement Benton Mills. He did this to honor his father-in-law, Senator Thomas Hart Benton, who was an important politician.

Life in Benton Mills

Benton Mills, or Ridleys Ferry, was an active place during the 1850s and 1860s. People lived and worked there, especially those involved in mining or traveling through the area. It was a small but important stop for many people seeking their fortunes in the gold fields of California.