Lake Tahoe: A Maritime History

Lake Tahoes legendary scenic beauty is witnessed annually by millions of visitors. While the lakes first sighting (in 1843) by a nonnative was made from a mountain peak, the lakes maritime history began a scant seven years later. Although most of the early steamers were designed for industrial use, the sight of a boat venturing out into the vast, deep blue expanse of Lake Tahoe attracted the attention of residents and visitors alike. After the inevitable decline of extractive industries, tourism became the main economic engine in Lake Tahoe. The steamer era and the evolution of wooden-boat racing are celebrated today by the romantic races of the two paddle wheelers and the annual Concours dElegance boat show.