Near Kirkwood in Alpine County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Summer Retreat
On the journey west in 1849, the Caples spent one night at “Summit Lake” before crossing the Second Summit into California – the First Summit being what we now call Carson Pass. Mary Jane and James remembered how beautiful Summit Lake Valley was and not long after settling in the Sacramento Valley they decided to return to Summit Lake to make their summer home for 30 years. We now call Summit Lake, Caples Lake.
In the summer of 1864, tragedy took their two-year-old infant son. Harry was buried at the edge of Summit Lake (now about 100 yards out into the water). The grave of little Harry was moved to higher ground when Pacific Gas and Electric dammed Caples Creek in 1922.
Erected by National Park Service, California National Historic Trail - National Trails System, Oregon – California Trails Assoc. CA/NV Chapter.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.
Location. 38° 42.303′ N, 120° 2.612′ W. Marker is near Kirkwood, California, in Alpine County. Marker is on California 88, on the right when traveling east. This marker is located at the Caples Lake boat launch just off of California 88. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kirkwood CA 95646, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Caples Lake (approx. 0.6 miles away); Kirkwood's (approx. 1.6 miles away); Naming of Carson Pass (approx. 3.1 miles away); Snowshoe Thom(p)son (approx. 3.1 miles away); Kit Carson (approx. 3.1 miles away); Memorial to Pioneer Odd Fellows (approx. 3.2 miles away); Carson Trail - Ascent to Carson Pass (approx. 3.2 miles away); First Summit (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kirkwood.
Additional keywords. California Gold Rush
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,147 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.