Markleeville Cave lies off Highway 89 between Markleeville and Silver Mountain City. I have driven past for years and never noticed the cave just off the road.
I was on the way home from the ghost towns of Monitor when I noticed an old road leading into the woods. Road construction was difficult and costly and historic roads always had a purpose. Being me, I had to investigate. Edel and I walked up a short incline and were surprised to find a large open cave. The roof was covered in soot from fires and a government sign marked the cave as a historical site.
Norwegian miners stuck a rich silver ore vein on Silver Creek in 1861. The town of Konigsberg, later known as Silver Mountain City, was established and grew rapidly. A road was needed to connect Silver Mountain City to Markleeville. Carr & Company headed by William Johnson was tasked with building a toll road in 1864.
The new toll road passed near a cave that was used by the Washoe Tribe as winter shelter and a ceremonial site. After Tribal Chief “Captain Jim” refused access, Johnson negotiated compensation which ended up costing $50, a plug of tobacco and unintentionally, Johnson’s $25 overcoat.
“Captain Jim”
(Photo Credit: Nevada State Museum)
Prohibition lasted between 1920 and 1933. Local lore says Markleeville Cave was used as a speakeasy during this time.
Karen Dustman and Clarirage Press has a wonderful article on history of the Markleeville Cave.
Markleeville Cave is at the intersection of the East Fork Carson River, historic 1864 Johnson Toll Road and Hangman’s Bridge, site of 1874 vigilante justice.
Visited 11-11-2020, 10-26-2020
References
- Ebbetts Pass Adventures: Historic Sites Along Ebbetts Pass
- Nevada State Museum
- Clairitage Press: Markleeville Cave
Dorothy Campbell says
Oh I love Markleeville. Been there several times swam in the river floated down it. I just love Sierra Valley. It’s so beautiful.
Tami says
That would be fun!