History and Mystery
The Maiden’s Grave: A story of hope, loss and mistaken graves
Located on Highway 88 a few miles west of Silver Lake and Tragedy Spring, is a grave that symbolizes “broken dreams and hope” and a story that draws thousands of visitors to this location every year. This final resting place has become a monument known as the Maiden’s Grave, but there’s a catch, this is …...
Fallen Leaf Lake’s Underwater Forest: The Mystery of Its Submerged Trees
At more than 6,300 feet in elevation near the edge of Desolation Wilderness, Fallen Leaf Lake holds one of the Tahoe region’s most unusual natural mysteries: an underwater forest of ancient submerged trees. These trunks and root systems are not just a strange feature hidden beneath the surface. They have become part of a larger...
The Murderous Tale of Tragedy Spring and the Mormon Emigrant Trail
In the spring of 1848, the decision to return home to Salt Lake Valley was made and roughly four dozen veterans of the Mormon Battalion informed their employer John Sutter that they would be leaving. After spending nearly a year in the employment of Sutter at his fort and at his sawmill in Coloma, where …...
Convict Lake: A Stunning Eastern Sierra Lake with an Infamous Past
Convict Lake history is about more than a scenic Eastern Sierra landmark. The lake got its name after an 1871 prison escape, pursuit, and deadly shootout near what was then known as Monte Diablo Creek, creating one of the most memorable place-name stories in Mono County. Convict Lake History Quick Facts Location: Mono County,...
A historical look at the Mare Island Naval Hospital
The Mare Island Hospital is a massive structure with an immense presence. Although it has been inactive for nearly six decades, this retired hospital is an impressive sight with a fascinating history. Mare Island’s Beginnings Mare Island drew its name from General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo himself, after the General had found one...
The historic Forest City schoolhouse in Sierra County
Located at an elevation of 4,500 feet, in the foothills of the Tahoe National Forest, Forest City is Sierra County’s cherished ghost town. Founded in 1852, when miners discovered gold at Oregon Creek, Forest City seemingly grew overnight. Within two years, the town had over 1,000 residents and dozens of businesses. Unfortunately, as...
A Look at California’s First Thanksgiving Celebrations
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November where observers typically gather together for fabulous food, to visit with loved ones, possibly serve the homeless, and watch some football. It’s often viewed as a joyous feast punctuated by food comas in front of the television. This day of feasting and...
The Old Webster Schoolhouse: Alpine County’s historic and charming schoolhouse
The Old Webster Schoolhouse is a carefully restored and preserved late-19th century schoolhouse that served Alpine County from 1882 to 1928. This near-700 square foot structure was built on a hilltop, overlooking the small rural town of Markleeville and the surrounding beautiful Sierra landscape. It’s a picturesque location that...
The Gable Mansion: Woodland’s historic home is a symbol of perseverance
The Gable Mansion, located in Woodland, was built in 1885 and is a classic example of 19th century Victorian Italianate architecture. The mansion’s romantic exterior and remarkable interior will surely astound even the least enthusiastic visitor. But, the most impressive aspect about this California Historical Landmark is how it...
The Butte Store: a historical reminder of the forgotten Butte City
Along Highway 49 in Amador County, stands a historic structure too proud to fade into the past like the town it was once a part of. The Butte Store, which was constructed in the 1850’s, is nothing more than four walls seemingly out of place with today’s landscape. But, if you look close enough, this …...
