Markleeville in Alpine County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Markleeville General Store

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 31, 2006

1. Markleeville General Store Marker

Inscription. On August 2, 1885, fire broke out in the Town of Markleeville destroying several buildings, including Harvey and Rask’s Bucher Shop and Smokehouse. Later on in the Fall, the building was rebuilt and reopened as Rask’s Butcher Shop. The building today, contains the original section plus additions, made in the 1890’s and 1950’s. The old cooler room, now referred to as the Antiques Room, has 12 inches of sawdust in its 14 inch walls for insulation. In the early 1900’s it changed into a general store. Through the years a soda fountain, service station and Post Office have been added and taken away, as the needs of the area and the times dictated. It still stands in the shadow of the Sierra’s to serve the needs of both residents and travelers alike throughout Alpine County.

Erected 2005 by Snowshoe Thompson Chapter 1827 E Clampus Vitus, July 30, 2005.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 38° 41.668′ N, 119° 46.779′ W.

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Marker is in Markleeville, California, in Alpine County. It can be reached from California Highway 89. Marker is mounted on the Markleeville General Store building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14799 Hwy 89, Markleeville CA 96120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on 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: Alpine County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Alpine Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacob Markley (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Hurdy House (about 400 feet away); Hangman's Bridge & Vigilante Justice (approx. 0.2 miles away); Webster School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alpine County Historical Complex (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Webster School (approx.

Markleeville General Store image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 31, 2006

2. Markleeville General Store

Marker is located on the wall to the left of the window.

0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Markleeville.

My Place Postcards drawn by Bill Goggin, Publ by Hunter, Rough & Ready, C

3. Markleeville General Store

Markleeville, California This tiny town has the honor of being the County Seat of California's least populated county...Courthouse now on site of Jacob Marklee's 1861 cabin...Hw was shot to death 2 years after founding town...Decline of silver mining after 1875 drastically lowered population...1886 fire destroyed much of the original town. First explored in 1843 by John Fremont who sighted Lake Tahoe from 8600' Carson Pass...Discovery of silver in Hope Valley in 1855 pre-dated Comstock Lode by years.

Postcard - Markleeville General Store - 1950's image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Frasher Foto

4. Postcard - Markleeville General Store - 1950's

Store, Fountain, Lunch Counter, Groveries, Service Station On scenic Ebbetts Pass Highway across the High Sierras

Vintage Postcard - Wintertime at Markleeville, Alpine County, Ca image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Frashers Foto

5. Vintage Postcard - Wintertime at Markleeville, Alpine County, Ca

Photographed by Alvis Hendley, November 5, 2012

6. Markleeville General Store

Photographed by Alvis Hendley, November 5, 2012

7. Markleeville General Store

Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,316 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 1, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on October 4, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6, 7. submitted on December 23, 2022, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California.