The pioneer is synonymous with Mariposa County. The county was founded by them more than 100 years ago and many pioneer families still call it home today. As step into the county's museums will show that pioneer history firsthand.
While many think of pioneers as people from a bygone era, that spirit is still well alive today in Mariposa County. Many come here looking for a new start in a beautiful setting, in search of new business opportunities or to build a home, or business from scratch. We call the people that accomplish that today 'Modern Day Pioneers'. Their stories are unique and in many cases inspiring. The Modern Day Pioneers video series aims to tell the stories of those forging ahead in Mariposa County today with that pioneering spirit.
Modern Day Pioneers: Keith and Stephanie Erikson from River Rock Inn and The Alley
The Erikson's tale is a love story forged in the heart of Yosemite Valley. From the day they met on Housekeeping Beach up to their wedding next to Ahwahnee Meadow, Yosemite has been apart of the Erikson's life. Now, the two call Mariposa home where they raise their family and run two great local businesses, The River Rock Inn and The Alley.
Modern Day Pioneers: Paul and Julia Wignall from Skydive Yosemite
The Wignall's are some of Yosemite Mariposa County's high flyers. Early careers in fashion took Paul and Julia all over the world and a passion for skydiving brought them home to Mariposa County. Today the two of them share their passion with the world with their business, Skydive Yosemite, which offers views of Yosemite above before you take the leap and float back down to the world.