The History of Lake Tahoe: The Jewel of the Sierras

Jul 25

Part 1 of 5

The Washoe and Early European Explorers

Long before European explorers set foot on the shores of Lake Tahoe, the Washoe people called this pristine alpine lake home. These indigenous inhabitants, who have lived in the area for at least 2,000 years, revered the lake, which they named "Da ow a ga," meaning "edge of the lake." The Washoe's deep connection to the land and water shaped their culture and way of life for millennia.

A gorgeous view of Lake Tahoe on the Monkey Rock trail above Incline Village on the east shore of the lake. — View of the East and South shore from atop Monkey Rock hike near Incline, NV. Photo by author

The Washoe were semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers who followed a seasonal round, moving between the lake's shores and the surrounding mountains. In summer, they gathered at Lake Tahoe to fish, hunt, and collect medicinal plants. The lake was central to their creation stories and spiritual beliefs, serving as a place of renewal and purification.

As I have often said just from my own experience, Lake Tahoe is “the fountain of youth.” There is something so profound and brilliant about swimming in this pristine body of water. The Washoe believed the lake's waters had healing properties and used them in various ceremonies.

The Washoe were skilled basket weavers and competent fishermen

One of the Washoe's most important food sources was the Lahontan cutthroat trout, which they caught using ingenious fishing techniques. They also harvested pine nuts from the surrounding forests, a staple that sustained them through harsh winters.

The Washoe were skilled basket weavers, creating intricate designs that often depicted the natural world around them, including the lake and its inhabitants.

Expertly woven baskets created by the Washoe people- indigenous people of Lake Tahoe. — The National Museum of the American Indian | George Gustav Heye Center | New York, NY

Arrival of European settlers

The arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century brought significant changes to the Washoe way of life.

[sigh. Isn’t this the story of America? Inevitable, but definite growing pains.]

In 1844, John C. Frémont became the first recorded European to lay eyes on Lake Tahoe. He was commissioned by the US government to explore and map the PNW with 27 men-trappers, surveyors and cartographers-one who was famous explorer Kit Carson.

Frémont's expedition marked the beginning of a new era for the lake, one that would see rapid changes and growing interest from outsiders. (More about this later…)

The discovery of silver in the Comstock Lode in 1859 led to a rapid influx of miners and settlers, disrupting the Washoe's traditional patterns of movement and resource use. Despite these challenges, the Washoe people maintained their connection to Lake Tahoe and continue to advocate for their rights and the preservation of their ancestral lands.

Washoe Tribe continues to be involved in Lake Tahoe preservation

Today, the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California participate in land management decisions, conduct cultural education programs, and work to reintroduce traditional ecological knowledge to the region. Most recently the last privately owned section of the Upper Truckee river and its floodplain (that is a mile from my home) is being preserved with the help of the California Lake Tahoe Conservancy and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

Visitors to Lake Tahoe can learn about Washoe history and culture at several sites around the lake. The Gatekeeper's Museum in Tahoe City houses a significant collection of Washoe baskets, while the Taylor Creek Visitor Center offers interpretive displays about Washoe life.

Additionally, the annual Wa She Shu It'Deh festival, held at Lam Watah Heritage Site in South Lake Tahoe, celebrates Washoe culture with traditional food, crafts, and performances.

As we explore Lake Tahoe's rich history, it's crucial to remember that the Washoe people's story is not just a part of the past, but a living, evolving narrative. Their ongoing presence and efforts to maintain their cultural connections to the lake remind us of the deep, enduring relationship between human communities and this extraordinary natural environment.

Lake Tahoe’s “shift” in the 19th century

As word of Lake Tahoe's beauty spread (I always joke that as a resident “we have to share this magnificent beautiful land!”) it began to attract a different kind of visitor. Writers, artists, and nature enthusiasts flocked to the area, eager to experience its splendor firsthand.

Among them was the young Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, who famously described the lake as "the fairest picture the whole earth affords."

Mark Twain in a black and white photo of him in a three piece suit with bowtie and pocket watch. — *Mark Twain, circa 1870s. Courtesy Nevada Historical Society*

The late 19th century saw the arrival of wealthy industrialists who recognized the potential of Lake Tahoe as a retreat from the bustle of city life. One such figure was Lucky Baldwin, a colorful character who acquired vast tracts of land around the lake. Baldwin's vision for developing the area would set the stage for future growth and tourism.

As the 20th century dawned, Lake Tahoe's reputation as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers continued to grow. The creation of the U.S. Forest Service in 1905 brought new attention to the need for conservation and responsible land management in the area. This marked the beginning of ongoing efforts to balance development with preservation.

Today, visitors to Lake Tahoe can still experience the awe and wonder that captivated those early explorers and settlers. While much has changed, the lake's pristine waters and surrounding wilderness continue to inspire and rejuvenate all who encounter them.

As we delve deeper into Lake Tahoe's history (stay tuned for future installments,) we'll discover how this natural wonder has shaped the lives of those who've called it home and the countless visitors who've fallen under its spell.