On October 3, 1806 a military and missionary expedition, led by Gabriel Moraga, encountered a native tribe a mile or two upstream from what is now Knights Ferry.

This settlement, which became Buena Vista, was probably started by J.S. Grayson in 1850. Nearby, on Goat Hill, was a large Indian rancheria, complete with sweat lodge. Local Indians renounced tribal land claims in exchange for trade goods. Bands of the tribe came here seeking a haven from the onslaught of gold miners.

In its heyday, there may have been as many as fifty White settlers and upwards of one hundred Indians. At one time there were several thriving businesses and a schoolhouse.

Now there is almost no physical evidence of a town named Buena Vista on the south side of the Stanislaus River. The Hunter family has continuously owned the property since 1918.

Ron Grider   Noble Grand Humbug   Estanislao Chapter 58 E Clampus Vitus

In memory of Chuck Christ 1942-2006 Vice Noble Grand Humbug

Dedicated to the Hunter Family

April 21, 2007

Marker is on Kennedy Road east of Sonora Road, on the left when traveling east.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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