Historical Markers and War Memorials in South Lake Tahoe, California
Placerville is the county seat for El Dorado County
South Lake Tahoe is in El Dorado County
El Dorado County(267) ► ADJACENT TO EL DORADO COUNTY Alpine County(50) ► Amador County(185) ► Placer County(211) ► Sacramento County(392) ► Douglas County, Nevada(111) ►
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Before roads were built in the Tahoe area in the 1920s, sailing on a steamer was the only way for visitors to reach the resorts lining the south shore. The Tod Goodwin outdid all the other steamers in size and speed. It could carry 150 . . . — — Map (db m112978) HM
Guests at the Pope estate had the option of staying in one of three unique cabins, each with its own charm.
Many liked the "Log Cabin" best because it was closest to the lake. The cabin across and up the lawn called the "Pachero," was reserved . . . — — Map (db m112980) HM
When Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin died in 1909, he left his real estate holdings in the Tahoe Basin to his daughter, Anita Baldwin. A few years later, Anita gave her daughter Dextra McGonagle this six-acre lot on the shore of Lake Tahoe.
Dextra had . . . — — Map (db m112981) HM
Possibly two of the oldest structures on the site, these log cabins were probably moved from the nearby Tallac Resort to save them from destruction when the Resort was torn down.
In 1915, Dextra and her mother Anita spent time at the lake, . . . — — Map (db m112982) HM
Near Heritage Way east of Emerald Bay Road (California Highway 89).
In 1920, at age 19, Dextra Balwin ordered construction of her summer house. The architect created a picturesque summer residence that reflected the simple, natural style favored by the wealthy in the 1920s. The house was completed in 1924 and is an . . . — — Map (db m34508) HM
Near Emerald Bay Road (State Highway 89), on the right when traveling north.
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 . . . — — Map (db m35355) HM
Near Heritage Way east of Emerald Bay Road (California Highway 89).
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 1870’s, . . . — — Map (db m34977) HM
From the vista, you can observe Emerald Bay and learn about its rich and colorful past
Residents & Visitors
For thousands of years, Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay has drawn people to its shores. The Washoe Indians made their summer . . . — — Map (db m112974) HM
Near Emerald Bay Road (State Highway 89), on the right when traveling north.
Tahoe’s Only Island
Over the last 100 years, Tahoe’s only island has been known by a number of names. In 1866, a group of young vacationers dreamed up the first name, Coquette, a word referring to a flirtatious or seductive woman. Attracted . . . — — Map (db m35090) HM
On South Upper Truckee Road, 0.3 miles north of Egret Way, on the right when traveling north.
"It took fifty men of us and all the oxen we could hitch to the wagons to take thirteen wagons up in two days. It takes all the men...and four yoke oxen to move an empty wagon...It is just like climbing a tree only worse." - William Gobin, Oct 1852 — — Map (db m212031) HM
"Started at 2 P.M. down through [Lake] valley for 6 miles and campt near a small stream here we saw 2 men just commencing to mine gold just found here...Road very good this afternoon" - William Wirt Gilbert, Sep 26, 1853 — — Map (db m212407) HM
On Lakeshore Boulevard south of Stateline AVenue, on the left when traveling north.
Lakeside Park was once the Washoe Indians' favorite location for their "love feasts' or fandangos.
In 1860 a Fish Market and Landing was located where Lakeside Marina is today. The fish were used at Lapham's Stateline Hotel, and most likely sold . . . — — Map (db m227672) HM
On this site, between 1880 and 1909, Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin created the elaborate Tallac Resort. The luxury complex featured a hotel, a casino, several cottages, a clubhouse, a boathouse, and three piers.
Wealthy society families from San . . . — — Map (db m112975) HM
On South Upper Truckee Road, 1 mile west of California Route 89, on the left when traveling west.
"After passing over this summit [Luther Pass] we enter Lake Valley [Lake Tahoe Basin]. Here we are camped, grass scarce. We had the roughest road down the mountain I ever saw." - John W. Powell, Sep 3, 1859 — — Map (db m212026) HM
On South Upper Truckee Road, 0.3 miles north of Egret Road, on the right when traveling north.
"We now prepared for the ascent of the mountain, we put all the oxen to one wagon, and started....The road is very steep in places, and runs up and along and around the side of the mountain" - J. Robert Brown, Sep 27, 1856 — — Map (db m212028) HM
Near Lake Tahoe Blvd (U.S. 50) north of Lyons Avenue.
Oldest Standing Structure at Lake Tahoe
In 1859, silver was discovered in Nevada and the road past Lake Tahoe became a busy highway for treasure seekers and for the goods they needed to survive. To keep roads in repair, stations were set up . . . — — Map (db m113203) HM
Horseback riding was a focus of the Tahoe summer experience. William Tevis Jr. was an ardent lover of horses. He became an internationally known, prize-winning polo player and horseman, and spent many hours riding and "bronco-busting" in rodeos and . . . — — Map (db m112979) HM
In 1968, Echo Summit served as a high-altitude training center and site of the U.S. Olympic Men's Track and Field Trials. Four world records were shattered here on the track carved out of the El Dorado National Forest. The U.S. team selected for the . . . — — Map (db m89152) HM
On Rufus Allen Blvd at U.S. 50, on the left when traveling north on Rufus Allen Blvd.
To all Veterans of All Wars
this monument is dedicated this
day 31 May 1999, to honor all the
courageous young men and women,
both living and deceased
who served in all wars and conflicts
and did their duty no matter where they
served . . . — — Map (db m113201) WM
The Pope complex is the largest of the Estates, and the main house the most elaborate and least rustic of the three. It is a good example of the fact that construction practices at Tahoe during this period favored the use of lavish effects and often . . . — — Map (db m112977) HM
Near Emerald Bay Road (State Highway 89), on the right when traveling north.
Imagine what an adventure it must have been for Tahoe’s early motorists. Traveling in open-air Model Ts and Oldsmobiles, vacationers began driving as roads connected the Lake’s recreation spots. Completed in 1913, a rough road around Emerald Bay . . . — — Map (db m35112) HM
Near Emerald Bay Road (State Highway 89), on the right when traveling north.
Captain Richard “Dick” Barter found his way to Lake Tahoe in the 1860s. Barter spent the long winters in Emerald Bay as the sole caretaker of a summer villa owned by Ben Holladay, Jr.
Originally an English sailor, Barter was known . . . — — Map (db m34942) HM
Near Lake Tahoe Blvd (U.S. 50) north of Lyons Avenue.
A Tahoe Original
In the 1930s a man named Pomeroy built this little cabin following authentic log cabin styles brought to this country from Sweden. It sat on Star Lake Avenue behind the fire station, only a few blocks from here.
The . . . — — Map (db m113204) HM
This giant Jeffrey pine, the Old Veteran, is 350 to 400 years old. Although this tree still stands, most of the pines of the same age fell to loggers in the late 1800s. This tree is the only one of its kind near the visitor center.
Notice that . . . — — Map (db m212297) HM
Near Heritage Way east of Emerald Bay Road (California Highway 89).
The Pope Estate is the largest of the three estates at the Tallac Historic Site. In 1894, George P. Tallant built a 2,000 square foot rustic-style summer cabin on this site. Five years later, San Francisco businessman William Tevis and his wife . . . — — Map (db m35030) HM
On Lake Tahoe Blvd (U.S. 50) east of Wildwood Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
This memorial is dedicated to all from our community who gave their lives and have served our country from all branches of service. We thank you for your sacrifice and you can rest assured that we will support your families and friends. You have . . . — — Map (db m113200) WM
Because Emerald Bay reminded her of a fjord in Norway, Lora J.M. Knight purchased 200 acres here in 1928 for $250,000. She commissioned her architect nephew to design a summer home that combined the features of Scandinavian castles and churches. . . . — — Map (db m35189) HM
You're standing on the site of the Tallac Resort and Casino, a turn of the century Tahoe destination promoted as "The Grandest Resort in the World." The Resort filled more than 40 acres and offered all the amenities a guest could want.
Elias . . . — — Map (db m112976) HM
Near Lake Parkway, on the left when traveling south.
Henry Van Sickle, 1822-1894
Henry Van Sickle arrived in the Carson Valley in 1852, settling near Genoa. Before Nevada became a state in 1864, and when the area was still part of the Utah Territory, Van Sickle began welcoming weary travelers – . . . — — Map (db m223617) HM
Near Lake Parkway, on the left when traveling south.
In 1988, Jack Van Sickle (1916 – 2003) donated 542 acres of land to the Nevada Division of State Parks to honor his grandfather, Henry Van Sickle. 20 years later, Van Sickle Bi-State Park was born.
”He was a cowboy. That was one of . . . — — Map (db m223616) HM
