(9,735 ft.)

Named by Wheeler Survey in 1878

Also Creek, Lake

"The mountain appeared as 'Crystal Peak' on Goddard's map, Sierra region south of Lake Tahoe, on Hoffmann's map of 1873, and on the 1874 von Leicht-Hoffmann map. 'Mount Tahlac,' its original name, 'in the Indian vernacular of this section, means "Great Mountain."' (Carson City Appeal, August 12, 1875.) It would seem that 'Tahlac' was a Washoe Indian common noun rather than a proper name. Captain J. H. Simpson's report included the Washoe word for 'mountain' -- Talah-act. (Simpson, California, 470.) 'Tallac Peak' and 'Tallac House' are on the Wheeler map of 1881.

E. J. Baldwin bought 1,000 acres from Ephraim 'Yank' Clement in 1878, and in 1879 built the famed first-class hotel, Tallac House. (James, Lake, 208.) 'Tallac House is the hotel of the Lake -- is strictly first-class, can entertain 250 people. Music and other refined enjoyments are liberally provided, supplemented by boating, fishing, hunting, riding, driving and mountain climbing that should satisfy the most exacting. A specially well-stocked livery establishment is accessory.' (Sierra Highlands.) The resort operated until the early 1920s. (Greuner, 45.)

Alfred R. Conkling wrote: 'The finest scenery is found in the southwestern corner of Lake Tahoe, near Tallac Peak. There is no part of the United States that surpasses this region in scenery. In my extensive travels on the continent of Europe I have seen but one lake more picturesque than Tahoe, viz, the Lake of Luzerne, in Switzerland.' (Wheeler, Report, 1295.)"
- Barbara Lekisch, Tahoe Place Names

References to can also be found in these files:
    • More of Bob's Trip Reports

    This page last updated: Sat Apr 7 17:02:15 2007
    For corrections or comments, please send feedback to: snwbord@hotmail.com