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The History of Lake Tahoe



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Tahoe is a long-loved destination. In the summer, you will see sun-drenched youngsters and umbrellas along the shoreline. The winter season brings snowy adventures for skiers. Aside from the breathtaking scenery, the region is home to excellent outdoor recreation. The lake is home to scenic cruises and mountain gondola rides. It also offers four-season activities.

The native Washoe tribe first occupied the area thousands of years ago. The lake was used by the Washoe as a sacred spot for their summer vacations for many years. The tribe was forced off the remaining land by the arrival of white settlers in the mid-1800s. George Whittel, Jr., who was a lumber magnate, spurred the development and growth of the north shore in the early 1900s. He built the narrow gauge railway connecting Truckee and Tahoe City. He also had plans to build a casino.

Since almost 100 years, the lake has been a popular destination for entertainment and film industries. Several classic American films have been shot there. Mount Tallac was the backdrop to Bonanza's opening sequence. Other movies have included A Place in the Sun, True Lies and The Navigator.

On the Nevada side, there are a variety of casinos resorts. The lake is also a popular ski destination. The Lake Tahoe area was popularized by the 1960 Winter Olympics.


The name Tahoe comes from the Washoe word da ow a ga, which means "water in a high place." The Lake is surrounded in majestic mountains that range from 8,000 feet to 10,000 feet. The western shore has more development than the eastern.

The border of Nevada and California is the Lake Tahoe Basin. The United States Forest Service has jurisdiction over seventy five percent of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Some of the most spectacular landscapes are found here. It is well-known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and as a top destination for hiking. It is known for its beautiful water clarity.

Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination with beautiful shorelines, mountain gondola rides, and great skiing. There are many events that take place throughout the year. The Tahoe Loop Drive runs 100 miles around the lake. There are many stunning views to be enjoyed.

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is responsible for assessing environmental conditions, monitoring lake clarity, and evaluating meteorology around the lake. The unit is also dedicated to education and public outreach. The agency publishes an annual report called the "State of the Lake", in which the lake's health is assessed. The report details changes in the lake's clarity, depth, particles and nearshore environment. Because of the improved environmental conditions in watersheds, the rate of clarity loss has fallen.





The History of Lake Tahoe