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.

The county's proximity to Yosemite National Park also significantly contributes to its economy, with tourism playing a central role in supporting local businesses.

[13] Formerly owned by Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado, the ranch turned profitable once Frémont discovered a five-mile quartz vein producing hundreds of pounds of placer gold monthly.

The Mariposa Estate covered 44,000 acres in the heart of the Mother Lode region, where gold pockets in quartz veins could yield between $100 and $30,000.

[14][13] Mariposa’s rise as a gold rush boom town began along a seasonal trickle called Agua Fría, where prospectors—lured by tales of glimmering placer gold—pitched their first camp.

[15][15] When floods and fires during the winter of 1849–1850 forced them to higher ground, they relocated near Mariposa Creek, establishing a bustling county seat by 1851.

[16] The conflict stemmed largely from the presence of miners and the trading operations of James Savage along the Merced River and Mariposa Creek.

[16] Modern historians also consider the Mariposa War part of the California Genocide, and it indirectly led to the so-called “discovery” and naming of Yosemite Valley.

Following a bond measure of $12,000 and the donation of nearly eight acres of land by the Mariposa Commercial and Mining Company, the school’s permanent campus opened in 1917.

[17] During World War II, the U.S. Army constructed the Mariposa Auxiliary Field (1942–1945) to train pilots; post-war, the site was redeveloped as today’s Mariposa-Yosemite Airport.

[20] In terms of racial demographics, Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute 1,568 residents, about 12% of the total population, which is significantly lower than the statewide average of nearly 40%.

[26] Key landmarks within the district include the Mariposa County Courthouse, constructed in 1854, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, completed in 1863, known for its Carpenter Gothic design.

It features interactive exhibits like a replica mine tunnel and a working stamp mill, illustrating the gold extraction process from quartz rock.