Savage's Trading Post - El Portal, CA
Posted by: 
hotshoe
N 37° 39.250 W 119° 53.270
11S E 245242 N 4171369
Wooden sign is the official marker for a gold-rush-era trading post west of Yosemite.
Waymark Code: WM9PAC
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 09/13/2010
Views: 15
Text on the sign
"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 mayor. In pursuit of the most warlike tribe, their secret hideout, 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."
Note, the text of the sign is quite different from the text on the CA OHP site, including the name itself; the sign says "Savage's Trading Post" (possessive, post owned by the man named Savage) while the OHP name says "Savage Trading Post" (with the sad implication that it is a post which is savage in character).
The listed location is "8 miles west of El Portal", but is on the eastbound side of the road; use caution if pulling out on the westbound side of the road and crossing two lanes of traffic.
Marker Number: 527.00
Marker Name: Savage Trading Post
County: Mariposa
Has Official CA Plaque: no
Location:
On State Hwy 140 (P.M. 43.2), 8 mi W of El Portal
Website: [Web Link]
Marker Dedication Date: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Feel free to post a picture of you at the landmark site, but a photo is not required to log a visit.