South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Da ow a ga – Lake Tahoe

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010

1. Da ow a ga – Lake Tahoe Marker

Inscription. A Sacred Gathering Place Many generations of Washoe people spent summers here, living near the shores of Lake Tahoe. Known as >i>da ow a ga by the Washoe, the lake provided a sacred meeting place, where summer gatherings were a focus of Washoe life for thousands of years. The Washoe people continue to enjoy Lake Tahoe.

Summer Feasts The Washoe often returned to the same campsites year after year, where familiar fishing and hunting grounds waited. The lake provided an abundance of fish, especially suckers and cutthroat trout. As the fishing season slowed, the Washoe hunted and gathered seeds, nuts and other foods.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans.

Location. 38° 56.792′ N, 120° 5.905′ W. Marker is in South Lake Tahoe, California, in El Dorado County. Marker can be reached from Emerald Bay Road (State Highway 89), on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at the Inspiration Point Rest Area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: South Lake Tahoe CA 96150, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Tahoe By Car (here, next to this marker); Vikingsholm – A Scandinavian Castle (here, next to this marker); Fannette Island

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(here, next to this marker); The Hermit of Emerald Bay (here, next to this marker); Enjoy the View from Inspiration Point (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Veteran (approx. 2.6 miles away); Discover the Tallac Historic Site (approx. 2.8 miles away); Lucky's Legacy (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Lake Tahoe.

Regarding Da ow a ga – Lake Tahoe. Tahoe's shores have attracted summer visitors for thousands of years. The first humans to enjoy the Lake Tahoe Basin were the Native American culture group know as the Washoe. The discovery of stone artifacts and projectile points confirms the Washoe presence 10,00 years ago. They migrated each summer from the Carson Valley area seeking the cooler temperatures, abundant fish and plentiful game of Lake Tahoe. The Washoe women made exceptionally fine baskets of remarkable artistry.

"Da-ow-a-ga" was the Wahsoe Indian name for Lake Tahoe. The Washoes considered "the jewel of the Sierra" the birthplace of their heritage. The area from Taylor Creek to Camp Richardson was a favorite site. Today they are known

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010

2. Da ow a ga – Lake Tahoe Marker

as the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.

Sadly, the Washoe homeland nearly perished in a scant period of time during the Comstock Lode silver and logging boom during the 1860s to early 1880s. The natural resources of the region are still recovering from the mass deforestation that occurred during this relatively brief period of time.
Source: Lake Tahoe Vacation Guide - http://www.tahoevacationguide.com/laketahoe.html

Grinding Rocks image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010

3. Grinding Rocks

This grinding rock is on display at Heritage Plaza near the Watson Cabin in Tahoe City. It was found at the Truckee River Outlet in 1924 by R.H. Watson.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,496 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 6, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.