#0240 Marklee's Cabin Site

Title

#0240 Marklee's Cabin Site

Site information:

On Hwy 89, near park, just south of County Courthouse, Markleeville

Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know.

38.693800, -119.778683

Plaque information:

Private plaque

Plaque text:

Jacob Markley

On September 12, 1861, Jacob Markley staked out a land claim of 160 acres, a parcel that included this site. Markley erected a 16 by 20 foot log cabin somewhere near this plaque, covering it with shakes made from local Sugar Pine. He also built a bridge over nearby Markleeville Creek and began collecting tolls from the mule team and foot traffic headed south over the bridge to Silver Mountain.

Over the next year and a half, Markley began selling off lots in his new town of “Markleeville” and took in a partner, selling a half-interest in his land claim to Henry W. Tuttle. The tiny settlement blossomed from a few small shanties and wagon tops into a bustling new town with 168 buildings.

On May 14, 1863, Markley was shot outside the front door of his cabin during a dispute with his partner. Tuttle claimed the shooting was in self-defense. The jury agreed with him, exonerating Tuttle of the murder.

Markley’s body was carried to a hill overlooking the town that bears his name — likely becoming the first burial in today’s Markleeville Cemetery.

Dedicated on April 9, 2016 (6021) By the Snowshoe Thompson Chapter #1827 of The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus 60th Anniversary

OHP description:

Jacob J. Marklee recorded his land claim of 160 acres on June 23, 1862, in Douglas County, Nevada, but after the boundary survey his claim was in California. During the rush to the Comstock Lode, the town of Markleeville was built upon Marklee's land - the Alpine County Courthouse now occupies the site of his cabin.

Registered 6/10/1936

Collection

Geolocation