Welcome to Ahwahnee

Ahwahnee was established as people migrated to the region in search of gold. Early settlers were greeted by fertile fields and abundant water. They began growing produce to sell to the area mining camps.

The railroad line to Raymond was routed through Ahwahnee. President Theodore Roosevelt made a stop in Ahwahnee on his way to Yosemite National Park. The local newspaper reported that the innkeeper told him to wash his hands on the back porch before he sat down to lunch. The innkeeper may have been one of the first area residents to complain about the press.

Ahwahnee was also known for a tuberculosis sanitarium. The sanitarium was built in the early 1900’s for residents suffering from the disease. The sanitarium was later used as a home for boys before being closed down in the early 1980’s.

Today, Ahwahnee is a quiet, peaceful community boasting a modest population of about 1,600 people. The area offers two golf courses, Sierra Meadows Ranch Golf Course and the River Creek Golf Course. In addition, Ahwahnee will soon offer the new Ahwahnee Regional Park with a cultural center, equestrian center, sports fields, hiking trails and more.

Wassama Roundhouse

The Wassama Roundhouse, built by the Miwok Indians, is one of only two or three ceremonial Indian Roundhouses still in existence in the state of California. The Roundhouse is supervised by members of the local Miwok tribe under the California State Parks System. Tribal ceremonies are still held in observance of harvests, births, to mourn the dead and to reach spirits.

Guided tours are available by appointment. For reservations and additional information on the Wassama Roundhouse contact the Wassama Roundhouse Association, O Box 328,, phone 559- 683-8194.