Site of
Savage’s Trading Post
Here in 1849, James D. Savage, established a store
built of logs. He engaged in trading and mining and
married several squaws for protection and influence.
In spring of 1850, fearing Indian depredations, he moved
to Mariposa Creek. In December, his store and others
were pillaged and burned and a real war began.
A volunteer battalion was formed and Savage elected
Major. In pursuit of the most warlike tribe their
secret hide-out, Yosemite Valley, was discovered, and
the war brought to a quick end.
Major Savage was killed by a political opponent,
August 1852. Several years later one of his widows
guided John Hite, a poor prospector, a few miles up
this south fork to discover a gold mine that made
him a millionaire.
