LAKE TAHOE HISTORY AND FACTS

South Lake Tahoe
Population – 23,609 (2000 Census)
Surface Elevation – 6,229 feet above sea level
Length – 22 miles north to south
Width – 12 miles east to west
Shoreline – 71 miles
Surface area – 193 square miles
Maximum depth – 1645 feet
Highest Peak – 10,891 feet (Freel Peak)

The ancient name for this majestic area first came from the Washoe Indians which was Da-ow-a-ga or edge of the lake. Lake Tahoe was a summer gathering place for three tribes of peaceful Indians who considered the lake to be a spiritual site and conducted sacred ceremonies here.

In 1844 American explorers Kit Carson and John Freemont came upon the area. The peaceful silence surrounding the lake was soon broken after the first pioneers' arrival. In 1860 Silver was discovered in the Sierra Nevada. Fortune seekers hurried to Lake Tahoe during the California Gold Rush hoping to strike it rich. In nearby Virginia City the massive Comstock Lode was discovered. Bonanza Road (which is now Highway 50) was the first road across the mountains to handle the travelers going to Virginia City.

Way stations, stables and toll houses sprang up along Bonanza Road from Statline, which served as a Pony Express stop, to Meyer's.

Between 1860 and 1890 Tahoe's forests were nearly stripped of trees due to wood needed for fuel and to support the mines constructed beneath Virginia City.

The wealthy families of San Francisco soon heard about the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe and it became a haven for the well-to-do. Popular hotels included the Tallac House, Tahoe Tavern, and the Glenbrook Inn. There was steamship delivery around the lake, with mail and supplies, and lavish transport for visitors.

In 1944 Lady Luck arrived when Harvey's Wagon Wheel Saloon and Gambling Hall opened, with competition soon to follow.

In 1945 the area received Lake Tahoe as its official name.

In 1950 roads began being plowed year around, enabling access to permanent residences. When the 1960 Winter Olympics came to Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe became the skiing center of the western United States.

In 1968 the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency was formed to oversee environmental development. Work began to improve the local tourism industry while protecting the fragile environment.

Today, with hotels, casinos and ski resorts that draw millions of visitors each year, the area's main attraction is still the peaceful silence of the wilderness and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Lake. Just as the Washoe Indians were drawn here centuries ago, Daowaga, “edge of the lake” is a very special place!