Snelling & its link to Joaquin Murrieta slayer & Yosemite Valley Railroad

The town of Snelling was the first county seat of Merced County and it's filled with fascinating history.
One of the graves inside the Snelling Pioneer Cemetery is that of Charles F. Bludworth, the county's first sheriff who previously was hired by Captain Harry Love to hunt down legendary bandit Joaquin Murrietta in 1853.
This video includes visits to the 1857 County Courthouse and the site of the former train station for the Yosemite Valley Railroad.
#historyhunters #californiahistory #joaquinmurrietta
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[@samageable]

Really enjoyed this one too. I was in Snelling every Saturday with my dad delivering propane to all the farms and houses. We were family friends with that propane truck in the video. My dad worked with the founder of that company. They worked together at Van Gas propane. That was a life time ago. Old friend if your watch this video and read the comments, Hello I hope you are well!!

[@losbanos999]

10 years ago we lived on J59...aka La Grange Rd. We drove through Snelling all the time to get to Merced. You are making me homesick. Great memories. Thanks!

[@WyomingTraveler]

I enjoy these trips through small, almost abandoned towns. Jeff, I like how you integrate old pictures with the current sites.

[@skiptalaska8603]

It never ceases to amaze me how young some of these people were when they met their death. Seems they either died from a disease going around at the time or at the hands of another person. Tough era to be born in.

[@wendygerrish4964]

Disease and common injuries mostly. Life before pennecillan.

[@rhondaharp6168]

I can't go to all the places you go or see all the places and things you do but thank God you're sharing them on here. I appreciate it

[@regcook4087]

I just love those, then and now pictures. 👍

[@mikewhite2aadvocacy172]

It was very nice of that Guy to let you into the Pioneer Cemetary. As you said that's a strange place for a Cemetery with no roads and all leading up to it.

[@dano8203]

No roads now that landscape probably has changed so many times over the years.

[@ralphpatrick3071]

It’s a blessing that the pioneer cemetery is so remote and watched over by the rancher.

[@jbenziggy]

It’s certainly remote and rarely gets a visitor!

[@frankmarullo228]

You know Jeff I'm not morbid or sick , but when I watch all your videos but when you show real old buildings , like in this video I can't help but think all the people even the little kids have all past away. Every one who built the building , made the bricks , laid the bricks , made the windows , installed the windows , doors etc , etc , etc they are all gone , I worked construction for the better part of 40 years , hung all the Sheetrock in the Mc Donald's they filmed Coming to America at. And these places will all be here After I'm gone ..all your video's make me think a Lot THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA.....

[@Glorfinniel]

You're not alone. I love old buildings and also think of the men that constructed it, and the people that lived and died in the building or homes. Oh, if the walls could talk. Most people are creeped out by old buildings and houses, but I love it.

[@Grumpy63uk]

I’m slightly different 🤪I’m exactly the same but on turn of the century photos , I always think there all dead now 🫣😖

[@Glorfinniel]

Yes, I also like looking at old vintage photos and visiting old cemeteries. Pondering who these people were, what lives did they live, and do they still have descendants alive today.

[@Grumpy63uk]

@@Glorfinniel oh cemetery’s 🪦😍😻😍😻🤷‍♀️🪦 👻

[@treebuck]

So true, Frank. I'm fascinated by the commercial buildings on the old US highways that were bypassed by the Interstates: old motels, restaurants, service stations that have been vacant for years. Try to imagine how they looked bustling with business during the post war years and into the 1950's.

[@dano8203]

It used to be called Snelling Ranch and it’s fitting a rancher watches over the old pioneer cemetery. It’s almost a ghost town with a population of 238 and probably will be in the next 50 years. Sad to see that beautiful monument shot at. The before and now pictures was a nice touch. Gives the viewer a real idea of how things were compared to now.

[@weldonsanford8985]

As a native of the Central Valley (Born in Modesto raised in Los Banos and Fresno) now living far away on the east coast, I really enjoy your channel. So many memories. The trivia and history. I had no idea while growing up there. Thanks a bunch.

[@jbenziggy]

Very cool! Glad you enjoy what we feature! Thanks!

[@ahbenjamin2889]

Good Morning Jeff and Sarah In regards to Charles Gallo - more than likely a member of the Gallo family of Modesto ? Great episode. Thank you.

[@tailher1]

Not related

[@ralphromeo7066]

Unearthing history of vast importance and interest. Magnificent reminisce, long overdue. I'd enjoy having you return as a guest on my radio show in NYC, Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

I haven’t forgotten about doing that. I have had so much on my plate recently, helping my daughter to move, etc. we will make contact.

[@DALEf4u]

I liked reading about the old west when I was younger and I remember reading about Joaquin Murrieta and Three Finger Jack. Your videos on old cemeteries especially this one making a connection to the history I read about as a kid is very fascinating!! Thank you Jeff!!

[@andylucas4031]

From the uk.Ive watch so many history of america vids,but your vids are by the best on youtube.Great works Jeff.Thanks.

[@kenuber4014]

Another great blast from the past! Thanks Jeff!

[@dsinavich5141]

Hi Jeff ...a very interesting little town and pioneer cemetery..I like historical places and to hear about the people's life and times .thanks for vlogging this story.take care... Deborah 🇨🇦

[@lilli63]

Thank you so much for sharing 🙏. Sad to see so many young people and children who died. Life was, and still is, to some point, hard. 😢

[@musiknbooks]

To think of all the people that made that journey across the ocean, then all the way to California. Pioneers preparing the cities that so many live in now. We owe them a lot. The least we can do is try and preserve their resting places. There are so many in distant, hidden places, some with only a fieldstone as a marker, and some not even that. I know some of them have been plowed over, under, flooded, gone forever. A record of their existence maybe in someone's family bible, or some court document. You and Sarah are helping us remember these people. Each time you read a name from a tombstone, you are letting the rest of us know about that person: when they were born, and when they died." That moment, the first time someone has mentioned them in hundreds of years. Thank you. They are probably listening up there. saying, "I haven't been forgotten. someone just spoke my name.".

[@BrentMcMurray]

So cool! We drive through snelling a lot to go camping at Lake McClure and Lake McSwain! Snelling is a small, yet fascinating place to visit!

[@lindakelling6647]

I always enjoy this channel I just love the old buildings and the history behide them. ❤

[@deanvinlove6095]

Loved snelling and fishing in the Merced river ! Thanks for the memories! And history!

[@jeanward1198]

Fascinating that what would seem to be a small backwater town ends up with you revealing so much history! Thank you!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jerryfountain7921]

Thanks again for your weekly videos Jeff. Hope Sarah isn't too bored sitting in the car... This area was a pass through drive on my way down to Merced, Fresno and Pismo Beach when I lived in the Sonora & Jamestown area. I always wanted to explore the cemetery in town by the school but never stopped and took the time. I wish I had... Till we meet again next week, have a wonderful week you two.

[@edwardaustin740]

Always great to see what you have in store for us to enjoy. Thanks Jeff. I know I've said it before..My Sunday is not complete without watching History Hunters.

[@briannave7326]

This old Iowa farmer never misses your videos, they are always well done and interesting.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much! You’re from God’s country. Love hearing from folks in the heartland!

[@danapretzer1895]

Always enjoy the sunday videos. You certainly remind me of Huell Howser, educate and entertain at the same time. Thank you.

[@kejola1969]

Great Sunday morning history lesson! Really blew my mind when you stated that Mr Snelling was from Christian County KY because that's where I live. I'd give you 2 thumbs up if yt would let me!

[@wendygerrish4964]

No kidding! Wow.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Just LOVE getting my weekly HH "fix" Jeff! Thanks for all your gr8 work! ~Chris

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much, Chris! I always appreciate your enthusiasm for our channel and I’m glad that we did not disappoint on this one.

[@nonamenoname5871]

Great little nugget of history

[@jbenziggy]

I am so glad that you enjoyed this video. Yes, that little town is full of great history. I’m sure I only scratched the surface of it.

[@paulkalff6408]

Another very fine presentation, Jeff! My late mother and her family rode the Yosemite Valley RR many times to El Portal...with a connection from Oakland, CA on the SP, until the White buses and "all season" roadway was built. Mr. Jack Burgess, whom I have had the pleasure of meeting at his home - and have a signed copy of his book - is probably the best source of information/history of the Yosemite Valley RR. Best! PK

[@wendygerrish4964]

I'll look up that book by Mr Burgess thanks~ a good excuse to drop into the Jamestown RR museum.

[@nhdenver7883]

Great episode, Jeff! Thanks for posting.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!!!

[@johnhughes8563]

Once again an informative video, thank you so much .

[@jbenziggy]

So nice of you! Thank you!

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

I'm so grateful for the work you put in to capturing these locations. Progress often lacks compassion for history - but, if it's on video we can enjoy it for many years to come. Great video! Also, - bit of useless trivia: LaGrange Ga is about 50 miles from Griffin Ga. I'm originally from GA, but not too familiar with Griffin.

[@johnkegley9352]

When I used to drive down to Merced from Mariposa, I would go through Snelling quite a bit. I enjoyed the drive through Mt Bullion and Hornitos. I would stop at the park, and below the dam and do some fishing.

[@jack2breeze]

thanks for bringing these almost forgotten towns to our attention

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you!!!

[@jack2breeze]

@@jbenziggy wlcm!

[@heden1460]

Thank you to the gentleman who gave you permission to go to the cemetery and went with you. It was interesting.

[@calsurflance5598]

We just got back from a road trip to Tombstone and Boot Hill,Az. We could have saved ourselves a heap of time and gas and just gone up the road to Snelling. Lol Great research Jeff!👌

[@wendygerrish4964]

Funny that Hollywood never found it for one of their movies. Maybe the area was too busy harvesting gold wheat and traffic to host a writer..although somebody Jeff mentioned had a connection to Dickens.

[@philipcollins5440]

😊 you're the first video I go to. You are a fantastic history teacher.😊

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate hire you feel about our channel!

[@bradreinhardt1358]

Jeff, as you pointed out, a whole hell of a lot of living AND dying went on in places that show little signs of the past. The remaining cemeteries are one of our best signs of what went on as the historic buildings too often don't survive the ravages of time. Your videos and subjects continue to get richer and dig deeper into our little known past. Congratulations on a very fine piece of work!

[@frankmarullo228]

Got to watch this video 4 minutes after it came out.. THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA.....

[@BeaverSmashing]

This is one of the most thorough, detailed, and interesting videos you've uploaded. There's so much to take in. Great job, Jeff!

[@84judo]

I just wanted to tell you thank you for all your wonderful vlogs, I really enjoy all the history you show

[@jbenziggy]

I do appreciate the positive words you left for us! Thank you and blessings!

[@marciachauvin3890]

In the early 50s I visited Mariposa with my Dad. We visited a friend of his who lived there and had a little place on the river where he had panned for gold. I can remember the little plastic pill bottle half full of gold flakes. On that river was also a huge rock where you could see indentations made by the Native Americans who ground the acorns into flour. After that we visited Hornitas. Great memories that were brought back by your video. I have also been to Yosemite many times.

[@reginamay2767]

Hi jeff, loved this small town that you are in. but so sad to see the grave stones is broke up. I wonder if yrs ago there was houses near the place you walked at out in the pasture. because they are buried out so far. the man that took you to see the cemetary he is a nice man to. thankyou jeff for this historical visit. and for the work that you put in to it. I enjoyed it.

[@skimmer8774]

To stand and look at an area where some historical event took place or a structure once stood gives me a incredible realization to.

[@nickpaz2421]

I’ve been waiting for this episode since you had mentioned you were going to do a video on Snelling. I first drove through Snelling about 25 years ago on the way to Sonora and ever since then, I always make it a point to drive through there on the way to the gold country. I always stop at the old market with the gas pumps and buy gas there even though there is a brand new gas station down the road. It just brings back memories of when my kids were little and we would go camping up in the Sonora and Angel’s Camp area. I love making that drive. A lot of history in Snelling I didn’t know about. Great video Jeff.

[@ZEVONLIN]

Had no idea Snelling had such a rowdy and colorful past! Thanks for another great video!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching! Yep that little town had its share of excitement!

[@johnpcampanile]

What a suprize with this video and Joaquin merrita, im with ecv and with the Joaquin Marietta chapter 13 out of Alameda contra costa County and where Joaquin hung out alot amd his hide outs. Hopenjeff we can collaborate

[@redmccoy8633]

Amazing. We are so lucky to have you put so much time into your videos. Always interesting. Thanx Jeff and Sarah.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you so much!

[@jennysjourney02]

Very good episode, as always.

[@brandonmurray8520]

Hey Jeff, my grandfathers grandfather settled in Snelling in 1846. He came out from Missouri and opened the first hotel and post office in Snelling.. He also bought the ferry and later built the bridge that went across the Merced river, but lost it in 100 year flood. Two of the headstones that you showed in the cemetery behind the building belong to my family members.. I really appreciate your videos and enjoy watching them all the time. Thanks..

[@haroldnelson3734]

Thanks for sharing your awesome family history. I lived at Don Pedro for many years and drove through Snelling lots of times. A lot of rich history for such a sleepy little town.

[@kenjackson5491]

I pass through Snelling often when I travel from Fresno to Angels Camp & Murphys. I visited the grave of one of the CHP Officers that was killed in the Newhall shootout who is buried in the Snelling cemetery. It was kind of the rancher to allow you access to the pioneer cemetery. I look forward to your videos!!

[@danporath536]

My father was born on the family ranch near Merced Falls in 1914.

[@liberalliar9216]

I always have to get my atlas out to see where you are. You give us a very historic account, Jeff. Thank you...........

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you!

[@joepiker]

This was a really good video, Jeff. Very well researched and photographed. Thanks ( from Northern Cal)

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ElizabethAdkins-g7q]

I always love the journey into the past that you takes us on. Meeting some of people who lived in California at the beginning. Thank you! Liz Adkins

[@rickmcelmurry1578]

Good video folks , every sunday i watch, alot of your stuff reminds me of the way things used to be up here around janesville

[@blanton1624]

Very interesting California history. It seems some of the people in the 1800's died very young. When I think of the diseases in history and how fortunate we are to have lived in an era when most diseases of the past have been eradicated, I also feel sad for the people who lost their lives so young. Another factor of the short life span is of course always the evil nature of man to take another persons' life. It is the same today so, we really have not changed. Another video well done. Thanks, Jeff. Bill in Texas.

[@dstu322]

The bottom floor of the courthouse is probably a fireproof vault to protect court records. The Mariposa County courthouse (built in 1854) had a similar looking vault built off to the side of the building.

[@mjwbulich]

It was the county jail. I looked it up.

[@mernarodway7301]

Jeff's videos do get viewers to do a little history hunting for ourselves🙂 This is especially true for some of us who have never visited those areas. History is alive! Thanks Jeff!

[@paulpetraitis2130]

Jeff, ever read the book "Men to match my mountain"? Great book on the history of California and Nevada!

[@mtacoustic1]

It's amazing how fast major structures return to nature. I remember as a young kid many buildings, railroads and roads have been nearly obliterated in my lifetime, let alone those 150+ years old!

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Great video Jeff the history in the small town of Snelling is amazing even more so when you bring it to life for us Thankyou very much for all the time you put into bringing it

[@andreajohnson1796]

Love your fabulous channel always a great one keeping history alive, Thanks for sharing

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate the nice comment that you left for me, Andrea!

[@Monkey_Spunk]

Lived in Snelling from 7th grade up till I graduated high school & joined the Air Force. Crazy to see how it's changed since then.

[@tailher1]

My great grandfather and great uncle built that Gallow & Oakley store. My great uncle was the Constable in Snelling in the 50's and 60's.m Spent my childhood roaming and panning the whole area. Best times of my life.

[@mrshiney2]

I have a friend whos Grandfather helped build the rail line to Yosemite, then much later her Father helped to remove it

[@wendygerrish4964]

That would be great to hear his story.

[@ChainerGuy278]

Good stuff! Local history is so interesting! You should have included a shot of the mighty Merced River at the end of Third Street. It flooded Snelling many times.

[@calsurflance5598]

Haunting to hear the distant train whistle as you show the old rail bed and mention the Yosemite Valley Railroad.

[@zackdaniels6858]

THANK YOU JEFF FOR MAKING SENSE. thankyou…..Hopefully This goes out to a Few KIDS on YOU TUBE SHORTS….AS THEY ALL ARE HOOKED ON YOU TUBE SHORTS.

[@marxfish]

My cousin from Merced saw the dredge in action in the late 1940's. He said you could hear it long before you saw it.

[@ohmeowzer1]

I really loved this thank you .

[@jbenziggy]

You are so welcome! Thanks!

[@Niner4Life707]

Great video. I love history, but anyways at 36:30 in the video you can hear a ghost whispering 😳

[@cabin567]

Was that Chicken from the Foster Farms Restaurant in Livingston?

[@jbenziggy]

You know something? It might have been! Hopefully someone can confirm! Makes sense.

[@tikitavi7120]

Those old courthouses frequently had the jail in the basement, which explains the stone/masonry bottom. Have you ever explored the old Shasta California site? If it's still open, their little museum in the old courthouse is extraordinary.

[@rhondaz356]

Oh, this was so entertaining, from beginning to end, Jeff. Thank you for the video and visual clips, as well. F.D.R.and Queen Elizabeth... WOW... That remote cemetery was interesting, too. 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

Another great video Jeff. Always love going on the adventures with you. Griffin Ga. Well, my family is from Daytona Beach FL. I had three aunts that moved to a small town just south of Griffin called Zebulon. Not much in Zebulon if you needed groceries or supplies you had to go "into town" and that would be Griffin 🙂 I guess the most famous person from Griffin would be Doc Holliday.

[@Highvoltage764]

You do such a great job searching out all these old stories thank you

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them!

[@jstewardjr]

Great stuff as always, Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks again, Jim! Hope you are doing well!

[@swansfan6944]

Wonderful Jeff. Lots of interesting information and I love the old photos. ❤Jodie 🇦🇺

[@douglasmcbryan3705]

The research you do is amazing. You should come up to British Columbia and explore our gold rush history. Nancy

[@maryturko6490]

What a fascinating little town. Thanks, Jeff.

[@alisonkahl3419]

Hi, the 8th grade class of Snelling School enjoyed seeing their town showcased on your KZbin channel. They also want you to know that they enjoy the fact that their school neighbors to cemetery. Thank you!

[@jbenziggy]

Good to know. I thought maybe the kids might be creeped out by being close to a cemetery. 😁 Tell all the kids I appreciate them watching and study hard!

[@alisonkahl3419]

@@jbenziggy The kids and I appreciate and were excited to hear back from you! We also help clean up around the tombstones throughout the school year. We were wondering if you knew how to repair the broken tombstones? Thank you! Also, fyi there is another cemetery that most do not know about on Hornitos Rd. in Hornitos, CA

[@jbenziggy]

@@alisonkahl3419 I plan to check out Hornitos in the near future! I did receive a comment from someone in the E Clampus Vitus Joaquin Murrieta chapter who told me they would be repairing the broken headstones but I’m not sure they were referring to the older cemetery or the one by your school. You might go through the comment section and finding that comment and messaging him. Hole this helps!

[@shaunmcmurtry6213]

i luv that little town we always stop at that chevron there in town while pasting threw heading up past coulterville an gleenley hill to some claims up there for some good times an fun days of gold prospecting Thanks for sharing luv your videos on history keep up the good work 😊

[@jbenziggy]

Right on! Thanks, Sharon. I really appreciate your words of affirmation.

[@shaunmcmurtry6213]

Sharon wtf@@jbenziggy

[@Blend-24]

Another awesome video. We like to think that Murrieta didn’t fall to Love but returned to his home in Trincheras , Sonora and lived for years. I believe they still hold the Joaquin Murrieta festival in October in that town

[@161papa]

Nice Video, Jeff. Thanks for the history of small town.

[@ndlz1]

Time wipes us all away, as though we never were.😞

[@jbenziggy]

Only God remember all!

[@wendygerrish4964]

'To be or not to be' Philomena Cunk.

[@culturematters4157]

@@jbenziggy And in that knowledge, we can rest assured!

[@brucekmules]

I have always wondered about that cemetery. Wondering why they were buried separately from the cemetery closer to town. We drive through here every time we travel from Jackson to Paso Robles to visit family. The courthouse is a very rare original style of construction. There are very few of these originals left. The bottom floor is a secure construction with block. The top is the court room. We have also always wondered if the owner of the Gallo store was related to Ernest & Julio Gallo. Thanks for the great video, Jeff.

[@alichtenwalter]

The history of the old days are important to know. We don't want to forget the people who lived. I have been watching a good called Sidestep: Adventures into History. They are in Georgia.

[@jamesbeasworrick1843]

Thank you so much for a wonderful history lesson of those who came before us.

[@dunderclumpin]

Thanks Jeff and Sarah, another interesting and well produced video. You are very lucky to be doing what you're doing. Keep it going. Thanks from Australia.

[@lonewolvesonwheels]

That whisper was spooky towards the end

[@jbenziggy]

Was there a whisper?

[@sandracarr6463]

Hi Jeff. Thanks for the Snelling video. When I was young we were in an old town that showed Joaquin Murrietas head and 3 finger Jack's fingers in two large glass jars. Have you seen them? No one else in my family alive remembers. Also there is an old town and old Gold Dredge there to. Maybe make a video with those. Not sure where the old town is because it's kinda secluded but it's near the Dredge. Thanks Sandy

[@Theospeak1]

This channel is a treasure. A few hundred years from now people will not consult cat videos or fail channels, but they will consult the work done on this incredible channel. Sure of it. Thanks for preserving history! At a time when history is being deleted everywhere in the West, often on purpose.

[@modestoca25]

Very true

[@debraleesparks]

I live in Merced, I sure hope you go to Hornitos next! Love Grandma Debbie

[@jbenziggy]

It’s definitely in my list but it won’t be immediately the next one. Thank you for being patient!

[@jamesf4405]

I believe that's earthquake damage on the Community Hall building. Great video! Thanks.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for the info! And thanks for watching and the comment!

[@kmm129]

My future dream. Filled and busy houses and businesses with every welcomed immigrant from all over the world.

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Thanks, Jeff. Central California watching

[@jbenziggy]

Cool, thanks!!! Love hearing from you!

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

@jbenziggy I have a place , you might want to check out. I would like to know it's history.

[@jbenziggy]

@@theodoredugranrut8201 email me at the address at the end of my videos!

[@barbarabooth4955]

Thank you so much for that bit of history. Very very interesting. You are so knowledgeable.

[@jbenziggy]

So nice of you! Thank you!