Bootjack, California

Bootjack is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Mariposa County, California, United States. The population was 661 at the 2020 census, down from 960 in 2010 and 1,588 in 2000, largely due to reductions in the area of the CDP.

Geography

Bootjack is located south of the center of Mariposa County at an elevation of Template:Convert in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. California State Route 49 passes through the community, leading west-northwest Template:Convert to Mariposa, the county seat, and southeast Template:Convert to Oakhurst.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of Template:Convert, of which Template:Convert, or 0.80%, are water. In 2010 the CDP had an area of Template:Convert, and in 2000 the area was Template:Convert.

History

Bootjack began as a mining camp during the California Gold Rush following the discovery of gold in 1849. Contemporary accounts describe it as "a collection of tents, brush shacks and log huts."

The origin of the name "Bootjack" is debated. One theory suggests it refers to a fork in the road resembling a boot jack; another refers to a tree with a similar shape. A third, more colorful story involves a gambler known as “Texas Pete” who was hanged for theft, allegedly requesting the removal of his boots using a plank as a bootjack.

In its early years, Bootjack remained a minor settlement compared to regional boomtowns like Agua Fria and Mormon Bar. By the 1870s, it gained prominence as a stop on the stagecoach route between Mariposa and Clark's Station, leading to Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley.

In the early 20th century, Bootjack developed modestly. A post office opened on February 19, 1903, replacing the nearby "Chowchilla" post office. It operated until late 1912, when service was consolidated to Mariposa.

The local economy relied on timber, subsistence farming, and small-scale mining. By the 1930s, the Merrill Lumber Company operated a sawmill west of Bootjack. In 1939, a wildfire threatened the area, and crews from a local CCC camp helped contain the blaze—indicating a CCC presence in Bootjack during the New Deal era.

Infrastructure improvements followed with the creation of California State Route 49, the “Golden Chain Highway,” in the 1930s. By mid-century, the highway was paved and brought increased tourism and commerce through Bootjack, linking it to Mariposa and Oakhurst.

Postwar Community Life

After World War II, Bootjack retained its rural character while Mariposa County experienced gradual population growth. Improved transportation allowed residents to live in Bootjack while working in nearby towns or in forestry and national park services.

In 1949, the Bootjack Stompers Square Dance Club was founded and became a central part of local cultural life. The club held weekly dances at a community hall near the Bootjack Store and marked its 75th anniversary in 2024, making it one of California’s oldest active square dance groups.

Public services also expanded. A volunteer fire company formed during the 1950s and later became Mariposa County Fire Company 37, headquartered along Highway 49. In 1967, several Bootjack residents joined the county’s newly created mounted search-and-rescue posse.

As the logging industry declined by the 1970s, Bootjack residents shifted to employment in tourism, construction, and commuting to nearby cities. Agriculture, including ranching and apple orchards in areas like Jerseydale, continued on a smaller scale.

By the late 20th century, Bootjack was one of the more populous areas of the county despite lacking formal incorporation. Its census-designated place (CDP) population reached 1,588 in 2000, surpassing that of Mariposa’s CDP at the time. Today, Bootjack remains a largely residential community with a mix of pioneer families and newer residents seeking a rural foothill lifestyle.

Demographics

The 2020 United States census reported that Bootjack had a population of 661. The population density was Template:Convert. The racial makeup of Bootjack was 528 (79.9%) White, 7 (1.1%) African American, 33 (5.0%) Native American, 23 (3.5%) Asian, 0 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 9 (1.4%) from other races, and 61 (9.2%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 58 persons (8.8%).

The whole population lived in households. There were 283 households, out of which 103 (36.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 165 (58.3%) were married-couple households, 17 (6.0%) were cohabiting couple households, 55 (19.4%) had a female householder with no partner present, and 46 (16.3%) had a male householder with no partner present. 34 households (12.0%) were one person, and 13 (4.6%) were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.34. There were 228 families (80.6% of all households).

The age distribution was 138 people (20.9%) under the age of 18, 33 people (5.0%) aged 18 to 24, 125 people (18.9%) aged 25 to 44, 165 people (25.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 200 people (30.3%) who were 65Template:Nbspyears of age or older. The median age was 50.5Template:Nbspyears. For every 100 females, there were 118.2 males.

There were 315 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert, of which 283 (89.8%) were occupied. Of these, 220 (77.7%) were owner-occupied, and 63 (22.3%) were occupied by renters.

Government

In the California State Legislature, Bootjack is in Template:Representative, and Template:Representative.

In the United States House of Representatives, Bootjack is in Template:Representative.