s all history is a tapestry woven of multi-colored threads, so too is Mariposa History an interweaving of many cultures.  Thus, while a European imprint is eternally etched on the face of the countryside, we cannot forget those native people who were the stewards of the land long before these histories were new:  the Miwoks.

The word "MiWok" is the plural form of the word "Miwu" which means person. Because these indigenous peoples did not believe themselves to be a nation possessing a separate existence requiring a name of its own, they called themselves "MiWok" - the plural form of the word "MiWu" which means person. Or put another way - they were the People of this land.

To find out more about the Miwok people, please click on one of these links: