Tomlin Treelancers

About forestry service, 95251, Vallecito, CA, US, California

Mariposa ( ; Spanish for "Butterfly") is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in and the county seat of Mariposa County, California, United States. The population was 1,526 at the 2020 census. Named for the monarch butterflies that overwinter there, the community's history is deeply intertwined with the California Gold Rush of the 19th century. During the California Gold Rush, prospectors flocked to Mariposa for its rich mineral resources in streams and underground veins. Among them was John C. Frémont, Mariposa's most prominent resident, who leveraged his extensive mineral claims to achieve national prominence. He became the first U.S. senator from California and the inaugural Republican presidential candidate, significantly impacting both Mariposa and American politics during the 19th century's period of expansion. Today, Mariposa preserves its rich heritage through numerous museums and landmarks that highlight its mining history. The county's proximity to Yosemite National Park also significantly contributes to its economy, with tourism playing a central role in supporting local businesses. == Geography == Mariposa is nestled at an elevation of 2,015 feet (614 m) in the rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP covers a total area of 4.04 square miles (10.46 km2), with nearly all of it being land.