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

Jacob Markley

Snowshoe Thompson Chapter No. 1827 of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, August 6, 2017

1. Jacob Markley Marker

Inscription. On September 12, 1861, Jacob Markley staked out a land claim of 160 acres, a parcel that included this site. Markley erected a 16 by 20 foot log cabin somewhere near this plaque, covering it with shakes made from local Sugar Pine. He also built a bridge over nearby Markleeville Creek and began collecting tolls from the mule team and foot traffic headed south over the bridge to Silver Mountain.

Over the next year and a half, Markley began selling off lots in his new town of “Markleeville” and took in a partner, selling a half-interest in his land claim to Henry W. Tuttle. The tiny settlement blossomed from a few small shanties and wagon tops into a bustling new town with 168 buildings.

On May 14, 1863, Markley was shot outside the front door of his cabin during a dispute with his partner. Tuttle claimed the shooting was in self-defense. The jury agreed with him, exonerating Tuttle of the murder.

Markley’s body was carried to a hill overlooking the town that bears his name — likely becoming the first burial in today’s Markleeville Cemetery.

Dedicated on April 9, 2016 (6021)
By the Snowshoe Thompson Chapter #1827
of The Ancient and Honorable Order of
E Clampus Vitus

60th Anniversary

Erected 2016 by Snowshoe Thompson

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Chapter #1827 of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 240.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 12, 1861.

Location. 38° 41.628′ N, 119° 46.721′ W. Marker is in Markleeville, California, in Alpine County. Marker can be reached from Alpine State Highway (California Route 89) south of Water Street, on the left when traveling south. Located in Heritage Park, where the highway crosses the creek. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Markleeville CA 96120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Alpine County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Markleeville General Store (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alpine Hotel (about 600 feet away); The Hurdy House (about 700 feet away); Webster School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hangman's Bridge & Vigilante Justice (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Lost Whiskey of Raymond (approx. ¼ mile away); Alpine County Historical Complex (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Markleeville.

More about this marker. This is California Historical Landmark No. 240, Marklee’s

Alpine County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Karen Key, October 9, 2006

2. Alpine County Courthouse

Cabin Site — Jacob J. Marklee recorded his land claim of 160 acres on June 23, 1862, in Douglas County, Nevada, but after the boundary survey his claim was in California. During the rush to the Comstock Lode, the town of Markleeville was built upon Marklee's land - the Alpine County Courthouse now occupies the site of his cabin.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2018. This page has been viewed 475 times since then and 36 times this year. Last updated on October 12, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on April 11, 2018. 2. submitted on October 12, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.