Jesse was a bachelor when he decided to build a cabin up in the mountains. He thought it was plenty big for his modest needs. A few years later, he met and married Mary Waspi, a local Mono Indian. In December of 1871, Mary gave birth to a little girl who they named Julia Belle Ross. Some years later the ground floor of the cabin was partitioned off and, for a short time, stairs went to the second floor.

Ross planted a five-acre apple orchard near the cabin, originally built on a parcel of land about one-half mile on up the road. He also planted wheat and pink beans on the ranch, and harvested them for sale in Fresno. Jesse received a Homestead Patent from the U.S. Government in 1900. Shortly after he died and was buried near Ross Creek.

In 1990, the cabin was given to the U.S. Forest Service by Richard and Jeanetta McClurg, with the provision that it be moved off the private property and preserved. The fireplace was dismantled stone by stone and rebuilt. A house moving company was able to jack up the cabin, place rubber-tired dollies underneath, and move it in one piece without damage.

The logs needing replacement were hand hewn using tools of the 1860s (and be sure to note the hand-made nails used). The walls were wallpapered with newspapers from 1893 to 1945. Truly, this is a treasure.

Today, you can visit Jesse Ross Cabin just half a mile from our property. You can also walk the now 30 acre apple orchard! Over the last couple years, smoke and early frost has left the trees unprofitable. Next fall, we hope to have an orchard bursting with apples. We honor all the hands that have helped preserve and protect this beautiful land, including those of Jesse Ross. This place is special, you can feel it as soon as you arrive! We can’t wait for you all to experience it.