Tahoe City in Placer County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Watson Cabin
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010
1. The Watson Cabin Marker
Click on photo to view the 1986 photo of the Watson Cabin.
Positioned on a bluff over looking Tahoe City’s Common Beach is the historic Watson’s Log Cabin. The cabin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest log structure remaining in the North Lake Tahoe area.The two-story cabin was built in 1908 by Robert Montgomery Watson, Tahoe City’s first constable, and his youngest son Robert Howard Watson. They constructed it using local resources hand-hewn logs chinked with cement, native stone for the fireplace and foundation, and deer horns decorating the exterior.
The cabin was presented as a wedding gift to Robert and his new bride Stella Tong in 1909. Their daughter Mildred was born and lived there with
[text is missing from marker]
roads made Tahoe City a popular location for summer tourists who came in increasing numbers. The quaint cabin was a popular stopping place.
The Watson’s leased the cabin to “Husky” and Fern Hunt from 1947 through 1976. The Hunt’s shop was well known by collectors of Navajo rugs and other Native American curios.
In the 1970s, Robert H. Watson’s daughter, Mildred Collins, offered
this page online
Erected 2008 by Rotory Club of Tahoe City.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 39° 10.284′ N, 120° 8.414′ W. Marker is in Tahoe City, California, in Placer County. Marker can be reached from North Lake Boulevard (State Highway 26), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 560 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City CA 96145, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Early Tahoe City (a few steps from this marker); Tahoe City (a few steps from this marker); Tahoe City’s “Big Tree” (a few steps from this marker); Tahoe City Begins, 1860 to 1895 (within shouting distance of this marker); Pioneer Tourism, 1896 to 1926 (within shouting distance of this marker); Southern Pacific, 1926 to 1945 (within shouting distance of this marker); Post War, 1946 to 1955 (within shouting distance of this marker); Olympic Silver, 1956 to 1971 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tahoe City.
More about this marker. The marker and cabin are located next to Heritage Plaza.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010
2. The Watson Cabin Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010
3. The Watson Cabin HRHP Plaque
The plaque is mounted to the left of the entrance door.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010
4. The Watson Cabin
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010
5. Rear View of The Watson Cabin
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010
6. The Watsons and Township 11
Photo and information displayed at the cabin. Click on photo to view photos and to read the photo captions.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010
7. The Cabin, The Watsons - Tahoe's Pioneer Spirit
Photo and information displayed at the cabin. Click on photo to view photos and to read the photo captions.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010
8. The Fireplace
As noted in marker text, the rocks used were found locally.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 928 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on August 24, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
