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History of
Ahwahnee
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| Wassama Round House |
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Nestled in quiet rolling hills, the community advisory council works to preserve its rural atmosphere. The Wassama Roundhouse, a California State Parks facility, is located here. Built in 1903 by the Miwok Indians, it is one of a few authentic roundhouses that still exist in California today.
Ahwahnee began with gold! However, the bustling township found more riches in farming than gold mining. Settlers turned to growing fruit and vegetables and sold their produce to nearby mining camps.
Due to the completion of a railroad line to Raymond, Ahwahnee became a popular stop on the route to Yosemite. There is a great little story about President Theodore Roosevelt and his historic trip with John Muir into Yosemite. The press wrote that when the President stopped for lunch in Ahwahnee, he was told to wash in a tin bucket on the back porch before eating. The innkeeper was beside herself; she let everyone know (who would listen) that it was her very best china basin!
Because of the beneficial air quality in Ahwahnee, a Tuberculosis Sanitarium was built in the early 1900's. Later, it flourished as a home for boys. This location is the future site of the Ahwahnee Regional Park. It is located adjacent to Wasuma Elementary School. |
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