The History Of Lake Tahoe

By Author: Theresa Sourers
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Lake Tahoe is a beautiful, large, freshwater lake located on the border of the Nevada and California. Formed during the ice ages it has a long, rich history and is still a vibrant place that is refreshing and invigorating. It is easy to see why the Indiana tribes that used to hold counsel on it southern shores considered Lake Tahoe a spiritual place. The peaceful surroundings are soothing and amid the towering pines and bordering mountain peaks Lake Tahoe it is easy to get in touch with your inner self.

Before explorers Carson and Freemont wandered the crystal blue shores of Lake Tahoe in 1844 the area was inhabited by the Washo Indians and three tribes of Washoe came to the shores of the peaceful lake every summer where they held their sacred ceremonies. Kit Carson and fellow explorer John Freemont misinterpreted the name the Washoes gave the lake and called "Da-ow-a-go" which meant "edge of the lake" by the name that stuck and eventually became "Tahoe."

Before the world knew "Lake Tahoe" the area was called by several names by its new world settlers from John Freeman's christening of "Bonpland" taken from a French ...
... botanist who helped explore the Western plains to "Mountain Lake", a name with not much imagination but definitely descriptive of the area, and on some early maps it was even known as "Maheon Lake". At one point it was dubbed "Bigler Lake" in honor of California's third governor.

In 1945 the land was officially given the name "Lake Tahoe" but even that ancient name remained unpopular and even derided by famed novelist Mark Twain. In fact, Twain, whose real name was Samuel Clemens, disliked the named Lake Tahoe so much that he even penned a diatribe about it in his novel "Innocence Abroad" where he said the Indian term really meant "Grasshopper soup."

Others denounced the name as well and the "Placerville Mountain Democrat" started a rather mean spirited rumor that the name "Tahoe" was really an Indian renegade who robbed white settlers. In 1870 in an effort to combat the negative press the name was garnering the region California re-named the troubled lake "Lake Bigler." The lake's Indian spirit could not be held at bay, however, and by 1945 the name "Bigler" had completely lost all support and California government reversed its earlier decision once again naming the area "Lake Tahoe."

As peaceful as Lake Tahoe once was for the Indians and is now for tourists it has had its upheavals beyond identity problems. In the 1860s silver was found in the magnificent mountains of the Sierra Nevada range creating turmoil as prospectors from the California Gold Rush scurried to the lake's shores in search of riches. It was this massive insurgence into the area that caused the site of the famous Donner Pass wagon train accident. The area's main highway 50 was created during that period of mining fury when "Bonanza Road" was laid out across the mountains.

Lake Tahoe's serenity was threatened by another form of miner as well-timber miners. The area's thick forests rich with pine and hardwoods soon attracted the lumber mills and nearly stripped the peaceful lake of its natural finery. The silver strike that was almost Lake Tahoe's demise may have set it up for its modern day luxury as during that time many hotels, restaurants, and stores were developed along the "Bonanza Road" for miners and their families traveling into the region. When the silver fever died out much of the need for local lumber did as well as panhandlers pulled out of the area leaving Lake Tahoe in peace once again, but its businesses and small mining towns in place. Soon after in the early 1900s the beauty of the area, then supported by hotels drew notice of the rich in nearby California as a place to relax.

In 1944 gambling came to the mountain rimmed lake when an establishment called "Harvey's Wagon Wheel Saloon and Gambling Hall" opened its doors soon followed by many competitors causing a building boon of roads, and more hotels and housing. In 1960 Lake Tahoe's Squaw Valley was host to the Winter Olympics that forever placed Lake Tahoe on the map of the world's view and it became a favorite ski resort for snow bunnies.

In 1968 the local government realized that the fast expansion might threaten the natural beauty of the area so plans were put in effect to safeguard the lake and preserve the area by regulating development and ensure responsible building practices and environmentally safe construction.

Modern day Lake Tahoe attracts millions to its shores each year but thanks to careful stewardship it remains the charming, and spiritually peaceful place it was in the days that the Washo Indians cherished its serenity.
About Author:
With her husband and partner, Don Souers, Theresa Souers has built one of the most successful real estate lake tahoe teams. Among their many accomplishments and affiliations, her team has been one of the top five Century 21 Sierra Nevada sales teams for the last seven years. For more information, please visit www.homeintahoe.com.