Near South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Discover the Tallac Historic Site
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
1. Discover the Tallac Historic Site Marker
This site has been a haven for many people over the centuries. The local indigenous group, the Washoe, came here from the valleys of the Eastern Sierras to escape the desert heat, gather food, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
In the 1870s, the scenic area at the foot of Mount Tallac became a recreational playground as people flocked to Tahoe from all over the state. Bay area entrepreneur Lucky Baldwin bought a large tract of land here; logging stopped and leisure started.
The Tallac Historic Site is made up of three summer estates and the remains of the original Tallac Resort. The historic buildings and grounds are being restored by volunteers and interpreted for the public to enjoy.
Ask for the Tallac Resort self-guided walking tour brochure at the Baldwin Museum
Erected by Tallac Historic Site, Tahoe Heritage Foundation and the US Forest Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 38° 56.303′ N, 120° 2.859′ W. Marker is near South Lake Tahoe, California, in El Dorado County. It
this page online
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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Welcome to the Historic Tallac Resort (within shouting distance of this marker); Lucky's Legacy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Rustic Retreat: The Baldwin Estate (about 400 feet away); Anita Gibson & Dextra Cabins (about 400 feet away); Baldwin House & Tallac Museum (about 500 feet away); Tea Time at the Gazebo (about 600 feet away); Supporting a Life of Ease (about 700 feet away); The Pope Estate
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
2. Discover the Tallac Historic Site Marker
Kiosk and marker are located at the parking area as you enter the historic site grounds.
Regarding Discover the Tallac Historic Site. See "Nearby Markers" for additional information, photos and "Also See" links.
Additional keywords. Historic Resorts
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
3. Sign at Entrance to Historic Site
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
4. Tahoe Heritage Foundation
This log bearing “Tahoe Heritage Foundation” is surrounded by donor plaques and one historical plaque describing the tree. See photo #5.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
5. Plaque Located to the Right of “Tahoe Heritage Foundation” Log
These logs were cut from an old growth tree that fell just a few yards away. The seedling sprouted in 1690, was preserved by “Lucky” Baldwin, and fell in a 1996 windstorm at the age of 306.
”My land acquisition will save
this vast forest from the
beauty-destroying ax of the
woodsman
so that the magnificent pines
and cedars may be admired
by generations to come.”
E.J. “Lucky” Baldwin
this vast forest from the
beauty-destroying ax of the
woodsman
so that the magnificent pines
and cedars may be admired
by generations to come.”
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
6. Tallac Restoration Volunteer Program
[This wayside marker is located on the walkway between the Baldwin House and the Pope Estate.]
A Work in Progress
Every year, generous people from all over the country volunteer their time and talents to help the Forest Service fulfill its mission to preserve and protect this unique, historic resource. The Tallac Historic Site would not exist today if not for the efforts of countless volunteers. The structures and grounds continue to be preserved, maintained, and interpreted thanks primarily to the many volunteer hours they have contributed over the past 25 years.
The Tallac Site also benefits greatly from donated time and effort of local volunteers and partners who work to expand and enhance the activities of the Tallac Historic Site.
The Tallac Site also benefits greatly from donated time and effort of local volunteers and partners who work to expand and enhance the activities of the Tallac Historic Site.
Photographed by Alvis Hendley, October 21, 2022
7. Valhalla
Valhalla was built in 1924 as the main house of the Heller Estate. Other buildings on the estate are a boat house and twin cabins. The Heller Estate was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Photographed by Alvis Hendley, October 21, 2022
8. Valhalla
The exterior combines elements of two architectural styles popular in the early 20th century - the shingle style and the colonial revival style. While the exterior is handsome and inviting, the main architectural value lies in the massive and brooding Nordic imagery of Valhalla's interior. (Source: National Register of Historic Places)
Photographed by Syd Whittle
9. The Baldwin House
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
10. The Pope Estate House
The front of the house facing the lake.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
11. Wayne 515 Pump
Wayne 515 Pump
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Circa 1920 This "Fill and Serve" pump was originally located on the Baldwin Estate. Restored by a Tallac Site volunteer, the pump has been relocated to the Pope Estate. The old vehicle wash-pad allowed employees to wash and gas a guest's vehicle prior to storage in the garage.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Circa 1920 This "Fill and Serve" pump was originally located on the Baldwin Estate. Restored by a Tallac Site volunteer, the pump has been relocated to the Pope Estate. The old vehicle wash-pad allowed employees to wash and gas a guest's vehicle prior to storage in the garage.
Photographed by Syd Whittle
12. View of Lake Tahoe Seen From the Front Entrance of the Baldwin House
North Lake Tahoe Historical Society
13. The Mamie at Tallac Resort on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, Circa 1898
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,046 times since then and 84 times this year. Last updated on June 16, 2025, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 27, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7, 8. submitted on December 11, 2022, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. 9. submitted on August 16, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 10, 11. submitted on August 27, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 12. submitted on August 16, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 13. submitted on August 27, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the Tallac Resort ruins. • Can you help?
