Are you interested in exploring Native American History and want to know more about the original inhabitants of this area? This hands-on exploration will have you traveling throughout the area in search of the amazing contributions made by the Yokuts and Western Mono or Monache people. This tour starts in Visalia and extends into Sequoia National Park (where entrance fee is required.)
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY IN TULARE COUNTY
BASKETRY AS AN ART FORM
Did you know? Mooney Grove Museum has one of the largest collections in California of Native American basketry on display (not privately held.) Come stroll through the museum for a close up look at these beautiful textiles. Wander through the museum to learn more about their life in this beautiful area.
MORE ARTIFACTS TO SEE
Along the drive toward Sequoia National Park, the Kaweah Heritage Visitors Center had bedrock mortar on display. More than just grinding holes, these served as important meeting places. Continuing along the highway, the Three Rivers Museum has Native American structures as well as artifacts on display.
Also, don't miss James Earle Fraser's End of Trail sculpture on display at Mooney Grove. The medicine bag and presence of a strong wind represent the spiritual side while the musculature of the figure represents the strength of the Native American. Although this is a bronze cast replica, the original once stood here.
NATIONAL PARKS PRESERVE AND EDUCATE
A stop at the Ash Mountain Visitors Center in Sequoia National Park provides more information about the indigenous peoples that lived in the area. Head to Hospital Rock to see some of the finest examples of local Native American pictographs. The largest native American village within current park boundaries once thrived here. Be on the lookout for grinding holes, indentations in the rock bed that were used in food preparation.
