Queen of the Castle: Lora Knight

Aug 21

History of Lake Tahoe Part 5 of 5

As the roaring twenties dawned, Lake Tahoe was about to receive one of its most iconic and enchanting landmarks commissioned by the “Queen” of Lake Tahoe, herself: Lora Josephine Moore Knight.

A wealthy widow with a penchant for Scandinavian architecture and a deep love for Tahoe’s natural beauty, Lora Josephine Moore Knight fell in love with Tahoe visiting as a young lady- the northern part of Lake Tahoe- Observation Point (Chinquapin by the Washoe Indians) now called Dollar Point.

Vikingsholm, National Register of Historic Places in the United States of America. Photo by Mark McLaughlin

Vikingsholm was the summer retreat of Lora J. Knight from 1929 until her death in 1945, when her wealth was estimated at $43 million.

Just before building Vikingsholm, she had lived in St. Louis during the 1920s with her second husband, St. Louis stockbroker Harry French Knight. Lora Knight, a native of Galena, Ill., befriended Charles Lindbergh during that time and helped finance his flight across the Atlantic.

Like George Whittell, they also happened to pull out their immense fortune before the 1929 market crash.

[Scuttlebutt anyone? Was this before the term “insider trading” came about? I am only saying this in jest. I am immensely grateful for these two wealthy preservationists.]

In 1928, Knight purchased the land that would become Vikingsholm, in the area of Emerald Bay, which reminded her of a fjord in Norway.

Determined to create a structure that harmonized with its surroundings, she and her nephew (by marriage who just so happened to be a (specifically) Scandinavian architect) went on a tour of Scandinavian countries to study authentic building techniques.

The result was a masterpiece of design that blended seamlessly with the rugged landscape of Emerald Bay. Vikingsholm is said to be the finest example of Scandanavian architecture outside of Scandanavia itself.

Construction of Vikingsholm was no small feat. There was no electricity except for the power of Eagle Falls that was part of the backdrop of Vikingsholm.

Materials had to be transported by boat to the remote site, and much of the work was done by hand. 200 Artisans and craftsmen used traditional Scandinavian techniques, including fitting logs together without nails and creating intricate wood carvings. The attention to detail is extraordinary, from the sod roof to the dragon-head beam ends.

Vikingsholm was adorned with many Scandinavian characteristics. Those Lora Knight couldn't purchase, she had recreated. This photo is of two dragon heads carved that crossed at the roof peaks. — Dragon Head beams, National Register of Historic Places

Outstanding features of the Vikingsholm exterior include: granite boulders embedded in mortar, typical of Swedish stone churches and castles built in the 11th century, massive hand hewn timbers, characteristic of those used by the early Norsemen, carvings around the doors adapted from those bordering old church entrances.

Carvings extending along roof ridges with dragon heads crossing at roof peaks, and a sod roof with wildflowers which is typical of Viking design spanning from Scandinavia to Iceland, which keeps the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Knight was not content to simply build a beautiful home; she was also a passionate conservationist. She worked tirelessly to preserve the natural beauty of Emerald Bay, purchasing additional land to protect it from development.

Her efforts laid the groundwork for Emerald Bay’s eventual designation as a National Natural Landmark in 1969.

Life at Vikingsholm during Knight’s time was a blend of rustic charm and refined elegance. She hosted numerous guests, including writers, artists, and naturalists, all drawn by the beauty of the setting and Knight’s legendary hospitality.

Black and white photo of Lora Knight and guests ranging from grandpas to children and even a dog on her property at Vikingsholm — Knight entertaining guests, National Register of Historic Places

Her summer tea parties on the terrace, (or rowed out to her tea house on Fannette Island- the only island on Lake Tahoe) overlooking the sparkling waters of Emerald Bay, became the stuff of local legend.

Knight’s influence extended beyond Vikingsholm. She was a generous benefactor to the Tahoe community, supporting various civic and conservation projects. Her legacy is not just in the castle she built, but in the ethos of stewardship she fostered, inspiring others to appreciate and protect Lake Tahoe’s natural wonders.

Today, Vikingsholm stands as a testament to Knight’s vision and a reminder of Lake Tahoe’s golden age. Visitors can tour the castle and imagine life in this Scandinavian-inspired retreat, where the line between human habitation and natural wonder blurred.

As you stand on the shores of Emerald Bay, gazing up at Vikingsholm’s turrets, it’s easy to feel transported to another time and place — exactly as Lora Knight intended.