Mariposa County, California

Mariposa County is a county in the U.S. state of California. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population was 18,251.[2] The county seat is Mariposa.[4] It is located in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, north of Fresno, east of Merced, and southeast of Stockton.

Not to be confused with Maricopa County.

Mariposa County, California
County
The Mariposa County Courthouse (top) and Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View (bottom)
Flag
Seal
Interactive map of Mariposa County
Location in the state of California
Country United States
State California
RegionSierra Nevada
IncorporatedFebruary 18, 1850[1]
Named forSpanish word for "butterfly" and Mariposa Creek
County seatMariposa
Largest communityMariposa
Area
 • Total1,463 sq mi (3,790 km2)
 • Land1,449 sq mi (3,750 km2)
 • Water14 sq mi (40 km2)
Population
 • Total18,251
 • Estimate 
(2019)[3]
17,203
 • Density12/sq mi (4.8/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (Pacific Standard Time)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (Pacific Daylight Time)
Websitewww.mariposacounty.org

The county's eastern section is the central portion of Yosemite National Park.

There are no incorporated cities in Mariposa County; however, there are communities recognized as census-designated places for statistical purposes. It also has the distinction of having no permanent traffic lights anywhere in the county.

History

Mariposa County was one of the original counties of California, created at the time of statehood in 1850. While it began as the state's largest county, territory that was once part of Mariposa was ceded over time to form all or part of twelve other counties, including all of Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and Kern; and parts of San Benito, Mono, Inyo, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles. Thus, Mariposa County is known as the "Mother of Counties".[5]

Mariposa County's original seat was a now-nonexistent hamlet known as Agua Fria (Spanish for "cold water"), about 3 miles directly west of Mariposa proper on Agua Fria Road, which runs from Highway 140 to the south, to the community of Mt. Bullion to the northwest. Charles Fremont moved the county seat to Mariposa in 1854, resulting in the construction of the Mariposa County Courthouse, whose grounds occupies an entire block. The historic structure is fronted by Bullion Street; Jones Street is to the rear, with 9th and 10th Streets on either side. This handsome, white judicial building erected with whip-sawed wood from nearby forests is the oldest courthouse still in use in California: cases are still tried there to this day. The courthouse is so recognizable that its likeness is on the Mariposa County Seal. Also particularly noteworthy is the courthouse's clock tower and bell, which chimes every hour, on the hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The county took its name from Mariposa Creek, which was so named by Spanish explorers in 1806, when they discovered a great cluster of butterflies ("mariposas" in Spanish and Portuguese) in the foothills of the Sierra. Each year, the first weekend in May, residents mark the annual arrival of migrating monarch butterflies with a "Butterfly Days" festival and parade.

Gold Rush
Specimen gold from the Mockingbird mine

Mariposa County is located at the southern end of California's Mother Lode region. During the California Gold Rush, great quantities of the prized mineral were found and extracted, first in local stream-beds and later in hard rock mines. One of the most notable beneficiaries of this wealth was the famed explorer and 1856 Republican presidential candidate, John Charles Frémont, for whom the local hospital and Charles Street (more commonly known as "Highway 140") are named. Jessie Street, in the town of Mariposa, is named for Fremont's wife, Jessie Benton Frémont, who came to Mariposa with her husband on many extended visits although they never took up permanent residence within the county.

Many aspects of the area's mining history are depicted in exhibits at two local museums: the Mariposa History Museum, located in the town of Mariposa; and the California Mining and Mineral Museum, located at the Mariposa Fairgrounds (2 miles east of Mariposa on Highway 49).

Two small gold mines in Mariposa county, the Mockingbird[6] and the Colorado Quartz,[7] intermittently produce world-class (and very expensive) specimens of crystalline gold for mineral collectors. "Specimens from these occurrences commonly have bright luster and rich color, with well-developed crystals in unusual and attractive arrangements."[8] The best-known example is "The Dragon", now on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.[9]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,463 square miles (3,790 km2), of which 1,449 square miles (3,750 km2) is land and 14 square miles (36 km2) (1.0%) is water.[10] Along the banks of the Merced River is found the sole habitat for the limestone salamander, a rare species endemic to Mariposa County.

Adjacent counties

National protected areas

Demographics

2014

The largest self-reported ancestry groups in Mariposa County were English (14.5%), German (13.7%), Irish (13.1%), Italian (4.1%), "American" (3.8%), Scottish (3.2%) and Portuguese (3.0%).[11]

2011

Places by population, race, and income

2010
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18504,379—
18606,24342.6%
18704,572−26.8%
18804,339−5.1%
18903,787−12.7%
19004,72024.6%
19103,956−16.2%
19202,775−29.9%
19303,23316.5%
19405,60573.4%
19505,145−8.2%
19605,064−1.6%
19706,01518.8%
198011,10884.7%
199014,30228.8%
200017,13019.8%
201018,2516.5%
2019 (est.)17,203[3]−5.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[20]
1790–1960[21] 1900–1990[22]
1990–2000[23] 2010–2015[2]

The 2010 United States Census reported that Mariposa County had a population of 18,251. The racial makeup of Mariposa County was 16,103 (88.2%) White, 138 (0.8%) African American, 527 (2.9%) Native American, 204 (1.1%) Asian, 26 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 508 (2.8%) from other races, and 745 (4.1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,676 persons (9.2%).[24]

2000

As of the census[25] of 2000, there were 17,130 people, 6,613 households, and 4,490 families residing in the county. The population density was 12 people per square mile (5/km2). There were 8,826 housing units at an average density of 6 per square mile (2/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 88.9% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.5% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.7% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. 7.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 17.8% were of German, 13.4% English, 12.7% Irish and 6.7% American ancestry according to Census 2000. 96.0% spoke English and 3.5% Spanish as their first language.

There were 6,613 households, out of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.8% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.1% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 104.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.4 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $34,626, and the median income for a family was $42,655. Males had a median income of $31,194 versus $25,440 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,190. About 10.5% of families and 14.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.5% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.

Government

The Government of Mariposa County is defined and authorized under the California Constitution and law as a general law county. The County government is composed of the Board of Supervisors, which has legislative and executive power. It is composed of five members elected from the five separate districts of the county, on a non-partisan basis, to serve four-year staggered terms.

State and federal representation

In the California State Legislature, Mariposa is in the 8th Senate District, represented by Republican Andreas Borgeas, and in the 5th Assembly District, represented by Republican Frank Bigelow.

In the United States House of Representatives, Mariposa County is in California's 4th congressional district, represented by Republican Tom McClintock.[26]

Politics

In its early history Mariposa was one of the most reliable Democratic counties in California. Along with Colusa County, it was one of only two counties in the Pacific States to support Alton B. Parker in 1904.[27] Over time, however, the county has steadily moved away from its Democratic roots, seen demonstrably in 1948 when Thomas E. Dewey won Mariposa without carrying California, as part of a trend turning the Great Basin into a rock-solid Republican stronghold.[28] Currently Mariposa is a strongly Republican county in Presidential and congressional elections. The last Democrat to win a majority in the county was Lyndon Johnson in 1964 but the last Democrat to win Mariposa was Bill Clinton in 1992 who won a plurality of forty-one votes.

Presidential elections results
Presidential election results[29]
Year GOP DEM Others
2016 58.41% 5,185 35.17% 3,122 6.42% 570
2012 56.87% 5,140 38.70% 3,498 4.43% 400
2008 54.75% 5,298 42.37% 4,100 2.88% 279
2004 60.23% 5,215 37.55% 3,251 2.22% 192
2000 58.55% 4,727 34.88% 2,816 6.57% 531
1996 50.02% 3,976 36.73% 2,920 13.25% 1,053
1992 35.98% 2,982 36.48% 3,023 27.54% 2,282
1988 54.53% 3,768 43.39% 2,998 2.08% 144
1984 61.20% 3,989 36.81% 2,399 1.99% 130
1980 54.96% 3,082 33.68% 1,889 11.36% 637
1976 46.61% 2,012 48.48% 2,093 4.91% 212
1972 56.15% 2,122 39.35% 1,487 4.50% 170
1968 49.92% 1,496 39.61% 1,187 10.48% 314
1964 42.59% 1,264 57.41% 1,704 0.00% 0
1960 53.97% 1,599 45.16% 1,338 0.88% 26
1956 60.31% 1,577 39.43% 1,031 0.27% 7
1952 65.91% 2,214 32.81% 1,102 1.28% 43
1948 55.86% 1,378 39.85% 983 4.30% 106
1944 44.16% 965 55.06% 1,203 0.78% 17
1940 34.47% 1,035 64.44% 1,935 1.10% 33
1936 24.23% 621 74.40% 1,907 1.37% 35
1932 27.48% 560 68.01% 1,386 4.51% 92
1928 55.03% 656 43.37% 517 1.59% 19
1924 40.23% 344 19.65% 168 40.12% 343
1920 55.38% 484 36.61% 320 8.01% 70
1916 32.75% 451 58.24% 802 9.01% 124
1912 1.71% 20 58.89% 689 39.40% 461
1908 36.86% 352 50.26% 480 12.88% 123
1904 42.88% 461 45.21% 486 11.91% 128
1900 40.79% 505 57.92% 717 1.29% 16
1896 39.68% 563 58.42% 829 1.90% 27
1892 39.92% 404 51.98% 526 8.11% 82

On Nov. 4, 2008, Mariposa County voted 62.1% for Proposition 8 which amended the California Constitution to ban same-sex marriages.[30]

Voter registration

Crime

The following table includes the number of incidents reported and the rate per 1,000 persons for each type of offense.

Healthcare

Mariposa County has one hospital, John C. Fremont Hospital.[34]

According to a 2013 study, Mariposa County had the highest rate of child abuse and neglect,[35] and as recently as 2014, had the second highest of rate of unvaccinated children[36] in the state of California.

Media

Mariposa County primarily receives the major Fresno TV and radio stations.

The county also has media outlets that serve the local community. These include:

Transportation

Major highways

Public transportation

Airports

Mariposa Yosemite Airport is a general aviation airport. The nearest airports with scheduled flights are in Fresno and Merced.

Communities
The historic Wawona Hotel, built in 1876

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Mariposa County.[37]

† county seat

Rank City/Town/etc. Municipal type Population (2010 Census)
1 † Mariposa CDP 2,173
2 Midpines CDP 1,204
3 Lake Don Pedro CDP 1,077
4 Yosemite Valley CDP 1,035
5 Bootjack CDP 960
6 Greeley Hill CDP 915
7 Catheys Valley CDP 825
8 El Portal CDP 474
9 Coulterville CDP 201
10 Wawona CDP 169
11 Bear Valley CDP 125
12 Hornitos CDP 75
13 Fish Camp CDP 59
14 Buck Meadows CDP 31

See also

Notes
  1. Other = Some other race + Two or more races
  2. Native American = Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander + American Indian or Alaska Native
  3. Percentage of registered voters with respect to total population. Percentages of party members with respect to registered voters follow.

References
  1. "Chronology". California State Association of Counties. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  2. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
  3. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  4. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  5. "Mariposa: Mother Of Counties". Superior Court of California, County of Mariposa. Archived from the original on June 11, 2009. Retrieved May 17, 2009.
  6. "findthedata.org - Resources and Information". mines.findthedata.org.
  7. "findthedata.org - Resources and Information". mines.findthedata.org.
  8. The Colorado Quartz Gold Mine, Rocks and Minerals, Sept-Oct 2009.
  9. "Gold". mindat.org.
  10. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  11. Bureau, U.S. Census. "American FactFinder - Results". factfinder.census.gov. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  12. U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B02001. U.S. Census website. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  13. U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B03003. U.S. Census website. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  14. U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19301. U.S. Census website. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  15. U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19013. U.S. Census website. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  16. U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19113. U.S. Census website. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  17. U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. U.S. Census website. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  18. U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B01003. U.S. Census website. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  19. Data unavailable
  20. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  21. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  22. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  23. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  24. "2010 Census P.L. 94-171 Summary File Data". United States Census Bureau.
  25. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  26. "California's 4th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  27. Menendez, Albert J.; The Geography of Presidential Elections in the United States, 1868-2004, pp. 153-155 ISBN 0786422173
  28. Mendendez; The Geography of Presidential Elections in the United States, p. 74
  29. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  30. Bowen, Debra. "Statement of Vote November 4, 2008 General Election" (PDF). California Secretary of State. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  31. California Secretary of State. February 10, 2013 - Report of Registration Archived July 27, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2013-10-31.
  32. Office of the Attorney General, Department of Justice, State of California. Table 11: Crimes – 2009 Archived December 2, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2013-11-14.
  33. Only larceny-theft cases involving property over $400 in value are reported as property crimes.
  34. O'Neill, Michael. "John C Fremont Healthcare District in California". gis.oshpd.ca.gov. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  35. "Mariposa Gazette". Mariposa Gazette.
  36. "Mariposa Gazette". Mariposa Gazette.
  37. CNMP, US Census Bureau. "This site has been redesigned and relocated. - U.S. Census Bureau". www.census.gov.

Further reading
  • A Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties of Merced, Stanislaus, Calaveras, Tuolumne and Mariposa, California. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1892.

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