Tahoe City in Placer County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Trains and Tourists

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, November 12, 2016

1. Trains and Tourists Marker

Inscription. In the years before automobiles and paved highways, local businessman D. L. Bliss needed a way to bring people to his new Tahoe Tavern hotel. He formed the Lake Tahoe Railway and Transportation Company to build and operate a railroad connection between Truckee and Tahoe City. By 1902, visitors were traveling in passenger cars along 15 miles of narrow gauge track directly to a trestle pier at Tahoe City.

It would be another 25 years before a major railroad arrived. The Linnard Steamship Company and Southern Pacific Railroad replaced the narrow gauge rails with standard gauge, allowing passengers to make their entire trip without changing trains in Truckee. Trains ran throughout the year. Visitors came to Lake Tahoe on "Snowball Specials" for winter sporting events.

As roads improved and automobiles became more affordable, fewer people took the train to Tahoe City. During World War II, the tracks were finally dismantled and the metal rails recycled for the war effort.

Erected by Tahoe City Rotary Club.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 39° 10.239′ N, 120°

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8.446′ W. Marker is in Tahoe City, California, in Placer County. It can be reached from North Lake Boulevard south of Grove Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tahoe City CA 96145, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro,

in the Sierra Nevada,

and in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Development & Conflict (here, next to this marker); Grand Central Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Watson Cabin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Tahoe City (about 400 feet away); Tahoe City (about 400 feet away); Tahoe City’s “Big Tree” (about 400 feet away); Tahoe City Begins, 1860 to 1895 (about 400 feet away); Pioneer Tourism, 1896 to 1926 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tahoe City.

More about this marker. Marker is located in Commons Beach Park and along a bike path.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, November 12, 2016

2. Trains and Tourists Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 436 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 19, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.