Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe has hosted a variety of visitors and residents through the years, from the early days of Washoe settlements, to rough logging camps, to today's extravagant resorts. When early settlers arrived after John C. Fremont's 1844 expedition, they would come by train to Truckee and then by wagon or narrow-gauge rail to Tahoe City. Over time, majestic resorts began to dot the lakeshore, such as the Tahoe Tavern, which included a ski hill, golf course, stables, movie theater, and bowling alley. Summer residents often extended their stays, until many lived here year-round. The lake gained fame during the 1960 Winter Olympics, and fast growth followed in these sleepy mountain towns.