Mi-Wuk Village

Five minutes east of Twain Harte is a little town called Mi-Wuk Village. Our Map of Mi-Wuk Village The name comes from the natives who lived in the area, it is their word signifying "people." Historic records and books about the Mi Wuk and other native tribes are online at the yosemite library. You can also visit Black Oak Casino's tribal information page.

At the Mi Wuk Village Inn there is an umacha built by a member of the Mi Wuk tribe. The covering is made of stripped cedars supported by cedar poles. "Come and sit inside to get a feel of another way of life and time." -from the website for Mi Wuk Village Inn, Resort and Conference Center.

History of Sonora Pass

The first documented immigrant traverse of Sonora Pass appears to have been in the late summer of 1852 by a wagon train known as the Clark-Skidmore Company. Sonora and Columbia merchants promoted the route to California-bound immigrants, who quickly found out how difficult a route it was.

With the discovery of deposits and development of silver and gold mines beginning in the 1860s, both sides of the pass pushed for development of the road. Surveying for a road through Sonora Pass began in 1863 and the road was in use by 1865. For more about other gold finds see the rock hounding section in the recreation guide.