In 1849, James D. Savage established a log store here and engaged in trading and mining, while marrying several squaws for protection and influence. In the spring of 1850, fearing Indian depredations, he moved to Mariposa Creek. In December, his store and others were pillaged and burned, and a real war began. A volunteer battalion was formed, and Savage was elected Major. While pursuing the most warlike tribe, their secret hide-out, Yosemite Valley, was discovered, and the war was quickly brought to an end. Major Savage was killed by a political opponent in August 1852. Several years later, one of his widows guided John Hite, a poor prospector, a few miles up this south fork to discover a gold mine that made him a millionaire.