In the late 1800s there was a horse racing track located to the west outside of Sonora. The Historical Society archives has pictures of races taking place then. There are also multiple pictures of the Second Annual Mother Lode Rodeo in 1929 and "A horse racetrack built by contractors Rocca and Phillips Cavallero for the 29th Agricultural Dist. in Tuolumne Co. Part of the horse racetrack still remains on the Harrison Gibbs property, known as Rancho Sonora ..."
The livestock events of the first Tuolumne County Fair were held in 1890 on property purchased by the 29th District Agricultural Association near Shaws Flat that had previously been used for horse racing and rodeos.
The outdoor part of the fair continued there for the next 12 years with domestic displays being shown first at the Opera Hall in Sonora, then at Turn Verein Hall in Sonora. Races were still held at the pioneer race track.
In 1903, the fair went inactive when the state refused to fund any events which might include illegal activities such as bookmaking and pools at horse races, Sparagna said. In 1909, horse race gambling was banned in California all together. The ban remained in effect until 1933, when the state again allowed gambling on horse racing and committed to paying for California fairs with the revenue from it.
This fenced field is the site of the old race track and rodeo grounds.
Park on the wide shoulder on the West side of the road.Watch out for traffic as you cross. Step up to the fence to take a look but pay attention to the sign. 