By Jim Cunningham and Flip Hassett
Special to the Times
Traveling Highway 140 east of Merced and west of Mariposa, you will pass through Catheys Valley but do you know the history of the area?
It started as a ranching community in the early 1850s. Sitting at the elevation of 1,465 feet with a population of around 400, most travelers just quickly pass through the area without really enjoying it.
If you just slow down, and look around, and maybe explore some of the winding side roads, it may surprise you what you might see. In the right time of year wildflowers abound, numerous birds can be seen including hawks and an occasional eagle. The rolling hills and quiet roads in this part of Mariposa County are a nice place to enjoy a bike ride, and the Hornitos Road from Catheys Valley to Hornitos is a favorite of ours.
When in the area keep a camera handy, whether it’s for capturing an image of flowers, birds, beautiful old oak trees, or just beautiful scenic images. There are nice pleasant scenes all around.
In Catheys Valley Park there is a historical marker that tells the story of the Miwuk people who spent winters in the valley, the Chinese people who built the rock fences, and the area’s tie to a North Carolina Family.
Catheys Valley was named after Andrew D. Cathey who was born in North Carolina. Andrew was an adventurous young man who, in 1849, made the long trip to California mine fields along with son Daniel and son-in-law Benjamin Wills. They traveled to New Orleans, caught a sailing ship to the Isthmus of Panama, and then boarded another ship bound for San Francisco. From there they caught a stage overland to Indian Gulch and became enamored with the area.
In 1851, Andrew returned to Arkansas for his family and others who wanted to join the wagon train. About 20 families traveled in covered wagons pulled by oxen. Horses were used to contain the 30 head of cattle that accompanied the group. The trip began from Benton, Arkansas on April 2 1852. The train arrived in Indian Gulch in October of 1852. It was a long, arduous journey for the group but the families settled along Burns Creek near Indian Gulch, living in tents along Burns Creek. They were able to make a living by mining and selling milk to the local miners.
In about 1854, Andrew and his family members purchased the Evans and Hill Ranch in an area known as “Vallecita,” (Little Valley). They became large land owners in the area raised livestock and farmed other crops soon the area became known as Catheys Valley. He even enjoyed showing his abundant produce at the Merced Fair.
Andrew soon became involved in civic and political activities. Andrew and his wife Mary were devout Christians donating land and helping to build the Methodist Episcopal Church South established in 1856 and the one room school house in 1879. The Catheys Valley Cemetery was established in 1858 on land given by Cathey. The first area post office opened in 1879. It opened and closed a few times but still remains there today. Emma Wills was the first postmaster. Prior to 1879 mail would come around Cape Horn by boat and eventually arrive in Stockton and then by stage coach to the area. In the early 1900s a small group of local citizens published the “Cathey Cackler” newspaper. There was an annual, two week, arbor event held at the Wills Campground on Owens Creek where families came in wagons from Plainsburg, Le Grand and surrounding areas. Chinese cooks supplied the meals and it was an occasion to meet people from the area.
The Catheys Valley Historical Marker at the Catheys Valley Park tells the story of the Miwuk people, the family from North Carolina that the area was named after, the Chinese laborers who built the rock fences, the old Catheys Valley one room school house that was built in 1879 and other stories about the area. The school was an active place also serving as a church, dance hall and meeting place through the years. There is a replica of the old school house available to see in the park.
When you have a chance wander through the area. Maybe get a bite to eat at the Oasis, or go a little further up the hill and visit Mariposa, or take the road to Hornitos for a look back at California history.
Enjoy!
Jim Cunningham and Flip Hassett are both retired, but they remain active in Merced County as community advocates, local history buffs and photographers.
Sitting at the elevation of 1,465 feet with a population of around 400, most travelers just quickly pass through Catheys Valley without really enjoying it.
The restored school house in Catheys Valley that was originally built in 1879.
A covered wagon stands as a tribute to the early pioneers of Catheys Valley.
When in the area keep a camera handy, whether it’s for capturing an image of flowers, birds, beautiful old oak trees, or just beautiful scenic images.
Get a bite to eat or needed supplies at the Oasis in Catheys Valley.
