(South Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev.) – Lake Tahoe South Shore (http://www.TahoeSouth.com) is a national treasure boasting a rich and colorful historical past, and today the region still retains its pioneer charm while displaying a timeless respect for nature. While incredible outdoor adventure, mountain resorts and 24-hour casino gaming, lively nightlife entertainment draw millions of guests each year, the area’s main attraction continues to be the restful silence of the wilderness and enduring beauty of the Lake. 

Lake Tahoe, with an abundance of natural resources, ranging from silver and timber-rich forests to naturally rugged cliffs, steep mountain terrain and crystal-clear inviting water, has always been an attraction for tourists and settlers alike. 

The first inhabitants of the region were the Washoe Indians who migrated from the Carson Valley each summer in search of cooler temperatures, plentiful fish and wild game. The Washoe women were fine basket makers of exceptional artistry. The discovery of stone artifacts and arrowheads dates the tribe’s presence to approximately 10,000 years ago.

The first non-native adventurers to catch a glimpse of Tahoe’s awesome blue waters were guided by the legendary Kit Carson, who brought John C. Fremont and his party of explorers to Red Lake Peak in 1844 – about 20 miles southwest of Lake Tahoe.  Four years later, Kit Carson carved a new trail over what is now called Carson Pass. This trail was the main route for prospectors and adventurers headed west from Utah to California and eventually became known as the Mormon-Emigrant Trail.

In 1856, John “Snowshoe” Thompson of Telemark, Norway began his mail route from Placerville, Calif. to Genoa, Nev. on a pair of homemade “ski-skates.” Snowshoe’s ski-skates were typically 8 feet long and weighed up to 20 lbs! He ran this route, which took three days on the way to Genoa and two days returning, two to four times a month for 20 winters. Snowshoe carried only mail and necessary supplies, leaving even a compass behind to save weight, saying “There is no danger of getting lost in a narrow range of mountains like the Sierra, if a man has his wits about him.” The 65 mile route takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car today.

In 1859, Snowshoe carried a strange colored blue rock to Sacramento to have it assayed – it was rich in silver. The Comstock Lode had been discovered. The Tahoe Basin would feel the effects for decades.

With the discovery of the Comstock Lode came the logging boom of the 1860s. Tahoe’s shoreline was nearly denuded to support the labyrinth of mines growing beneath Virginia City and to supply fuel for the now blooming population of the Carson Valley. The easy availability of timber led to the mass devastation of Tahoe’s forests through the late 1880s. With the decline of the Comstock Lode, Tahoe’s forests were saved. Despite the end of the silver era, Virginia City continues to thrive as a tourist destination, located about one hour from Lake Tahoe’s South Shore.

Much of Tahoe’s history from the end of the logging boom through the 1920s can be seen at the Tallac Historic Site on the southwest corner of the lake. Covering 74 acres and over a quarter mile of lakefront, the three historic estates on the Tallac Site showcase Old Tahoe style and architecture. On the grounds of the Pope Estate lies a private trout pond with a cascading waterfall. The pond and waterfall were the highlight of an arboretum featuring one of the most impressive collections of botanical specimens at the lake. The arboretum also featured a gazebo constructed entirely of native materials including granite and local timber.  The main house of the Baldwin Estate featured a wishing well in its interior courtyard and a massive stone fireplace that dominated the living room. Valhalla, meaning ‘heavenly place’ in Norwegian, is the third estate at the Tallac Historic Site nestled among the pines. It is aptly named – the estate features a vaulted central living space surrounded by a horseshoe balcony. Valhalla, on the shores of Tahoe, is now a popular site for summer weddings and concerts as well as a grand Christmas ball.

In 1944, Lady Luck arrived in Tahoe with the opening of Harveys Wagon Wheel Saloon and Gambling Hall. Gaming competition soon sprang up along with accommodations for the clientele. In the late 1940s, skiing was introduced to the South Shore area with the first two rope tows installed near what is now Ski Run Boulevard. The Bijou Park Skiway was a substantial operation, with a warming hut for rental gear, a few ski instructors, floodlights for night skiing, and a straight, groomed run about 1,000 feet long. When the 1960 Winter Olympics came to Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe was firmly on the map as a new skiing destination of the western United States.

Most recently, South Shore notes significant development to enhance the region’s economy, tourist access and environment. The most notable and current efforts include: the completion of Heavenly Village and surrounding new lodging accommodations near Heavenly Mountain Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort; the current regeneration of South Shore’s downtown and Ski Run Boulevard; the grand opening of MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa; and the ongoing safe, convenient, environmentally conscious high-tech public transportation system, BlueGo.

Although the development of the Lake Tahoe area has come far, modern planners today use the ancient wisdom of the Washoe Indians when building in the area. Realizing the need to preserve the Lake's beauty in the face of progress, California and Nevada formed the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency in 1968 to oversee environmentally responsible development in the Basin. The agency's balanced approach has enabled them to limit the construction while devising a redevelopment plan to improve the economy, tourist access and the environment well into the next century, preserving the region’s natural resources and historically mesmerizing attractions.

For real time updates on events, promotions, packages, conditions and events in Tahoe South, The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority is on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TahoeSouth, Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TahoeSouth, YouTube: www.youtube.com/LTVA. For Tahoe South information: 1-800-288-2463 or www.tahoesouth.com.

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Contact: Jenn Boyd or Phil Weidinger, Weidinger Public Relations, 775-588-2412, jennifer@weidingerpr.com.

UK Media Contact: Gayle Hockin, The Pilgrim Group, gayle@thepilgrimgroup.com.

About the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Tahoe South combines the distinctive appeal of two worlds: spectacular natural beauty and a modern tourism destination with an array of outdoor recreation, entertainment, nightlife and gaming. Tahoe’s timeless splendor and an emerging economic diversity and sustainability continue to define its inimitable personality. For information about lodging, recreation and family packages at Tahoe South, 1-800-AT-TAHOE (1-800-288-2463) or log onto www.tahoesouth.com.