E Clampus Vitus celebrates Stockton Millerton Road at the county line

Don’t blink or you might miss it, driving down Highway 140, right at the Mariposa and Madera County line.

There, with traffic zipping by, you will find a new historical marker recognizing Stockton Millerton Road, the main road used by wagons and stages during the California Gold Rush to travel between Stockton and Los Angeles.

The route dates back to the late 1840s.

The new plaque replaced a wood sign erected years ago that was falling apart.

The marker is to be dedicated next month by the historical group, E Clampus Vitus, the sometimes satirical purveyors of Gold Rush history, who’s motto is the Latin credo quia absurdum, “I believe it because it is absurd.”

But the “Clampers,” as they are known, can be serious about their history.

Stockton Millerton Road was a vital corridor of commerce. In the wet months, when the valley was soggy, the ground along the foothills was firmer and there were narrow river crossings.

The road became the borderline between Mariposa and Merced counties in 1865.

In 1853, James Cunningham purchased the land at the site. William McCorry later acquired the land.

It is worth noting when visiting the marker, which is nearest McCorry Road, to be extremely cautious when pulling over along that particular part of Highway 140, where space is limited.

The monument was constructed over several weeks. It will be officially rededicated next month by two E Clampus Vitus chapters, J.C. Fremont 1854 and Outpost of Matuca 1849, at no cost to taxpayers.

The group reportedly has more than 2,000 historical markers in the Western United States.