Portola Valley in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Casa de Tableta

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 13, 2006

1. Casa de Tableta Marker

Inscription. This structure, built by Felix Buelna in the 1850s, served as a gambling retreat and meeting place for Mexican-Californios. It was strategically located on the earliest trail used both by rancheros and American settlers crossing the peninsula to the coast. Acquired by an American in 1868, it has continued to serve under various names as a roadhouse and saloon.

Erected 1969 by The State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Town of Portola Valley, May 24, 1969. (Marker Number 825.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 37° 22.933′ N, 122° 11.567′ W. Marker is in Portola Valley, California, in San Mateo County. It is at the intersection of Arastradero Road and Arastradero, on the right when traveling east on Arastradero Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3915 Alpine Road, Portola Valley CA 94028, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Portola Primary School (approx. 2 miles away); Hallidie Tramway

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(approx. 2.1 miles away); Our Lady of the Wayside (approx. 2.3 miles away); Lou Henry Hoover House (approx. 2.9 miles away); St. Denis Church and Cemetery (approx. 3 miles away); Site of Juana Briones de Miranda Home on Rancho La Purisima Concepcion (approx. 3 miles away); Development of Motion Pictures (approx. 3.1 miles away); Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portola Valley.

More about this marker. This site has been designated California Registered Historical Landmark No.825

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 13, 2006

2. Casa de Tableta Marker

Casa de Tableta (Currently Known as The Alpine Inn) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 13, 2006

3. Casa de Tableta (Currently Known as The Alpine Inn)

Casa de Tableta - Alpine Inn image. Click for full size.

4. Casa de Tableta - Alpine Inn

Photo Source - Library of Congress Historic American Buildings Survey Collection

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,186 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 2, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.