Independence in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Putnam’s Stone Cabin

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 28, 2023

1. Putnam’s Stone Cabin Marker

Inscription. One hundred thirty feet west of this site, Charles Putnam built the first cabin of permanent habitation in what is now Inyo County in August 1861. The building served as a home, trading post, hospital, and “fort” for early settlers, as well as a survival point for travelers. It became the center of the settlement of “Putnam’s”, which five years later took the name “Independence”.

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 223

Erected 1964 by California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Eastern California Museum Association, Inc. (Marker Number 223.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1868.

Location. 36° 48.176′ N, 118° 12.002′ W. Marker is in Independence, California, in Inyo County. It is on Highway 395 south of Bush Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Independence CA 93526, 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 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Inyo County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Edwards House

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mary Austin’s Home (about 700 feet away); Hydroelectric Power From Bishop Creek (approx. ¼ mile away); Mining in Inyo County (approx. ¼ mile away); Engine #18 (approx. ¼ mile away); Historic Independence (approx. ¼ mile away); Camp Independence (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Independence.

Also see . . . California and the Indian Wars:The Owens Valley Indian War, 1861-1865. (Submitted on October 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California.)

Photographed by Karen Key, August 25, 2007

2. Putnam’s Stone Cabin Marker

Photographed by Karen Key, August 25, 2007

3. Putnam’s Stone Cabin Marker

Photographed by Denise Boose, February 11, 2009

4. Putnam’s Stone Cabin Marker

The marker is left of the building.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 3,074 times since then and 87 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 29, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3. submitted on October 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. 4. submitted on April 27, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.