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

Putnam’s Stone Cabin

By Karen Key, August 25, 2007

1. Putnam’s Stone Cabin Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the 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

Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Eastern California Museum Association, Inc., January 12, 1964.

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

Location. 36° 48.176′ N, 118° 12.002′ W. Marker is in Independence, California, in Inyo County. Marker is at the intersection of Highway 395 and West Center Street, on the right when traveling south on Highway 395. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Independence CA 93526, United States of America.

Other nearby markers.

By Denise Boose, February 11, 2009

2. Putnam’s Stone Cabin Marker

At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Inyo County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Edwards House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mary Austin’s Home (about 700 feet away); Engine #18 (approx. ¼ mile away); Camp Independence (approx. 2.4 miles away); Kearsarge Station (approx. 4.6 miles away); Sacred Space (approx. 5.7 miles away); Legacy (approx. 5.8 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.)

Categories. • Notable Buildings • Notable Persons • Settlements & Settlers •

By Denise Boose, February 11, 2009

3. Putnam’s Stone Cabin Marker

Independence Chamber of Commerce Building image. Click for full size.

By Denise Boose, February 11, 2009

4. Independence Chamber of Commerce Building

Putnam’s Stone Cabin Marker is just the left of this building behind the chain-link fence

By Karen Key, August 25, 2007

5. Putnam’s Stone Cabin Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on October 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 1,972 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 27, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 5. submitted on October 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.