Historic Truckee

Truckee has always been committed to preserving the rich history and architecture of its past. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places because it retains its charming 1880 circa architecture.

Today, Old Town Truckee blends an old-world charm with eclectic shops and five-star restaurants. As the gateway to Lake Tahoe’s outdoor wonderland, many new luxury developments are tucked within the surrounding mountains,.

The Historic Downtown area however, offers only a handful of historic residences that are zoned for both residential and commercial.

History of Truckee

Originally called Coburn Station, many of the emigrants who traveled to California passed through Nevada north of Truckee. A Paiute guide had led John Fremont and his group south, to the Truckee River. They thought his name was Truckee because he kept using the phrase “Tro-kay.” Later, Truckee would take the name of the Paiute guide who introduced people to this area.

Truckee developed as a logging camp, with many lumber mills that served the silver and gold mines in Nevada. It later became a hub for ice manufacturing. Trains delivered ice blocks to Sacramento, San Francisco and even Los Angeles.

Many names of Truckee’s communities, like Gray’s Crossing and Schaffer’s Mill come from the actual lumber mills and crossing stations that operated in the area.

Building California

As the railroad was being built across the Sierra Nevada, the demand for lumber grew. The area's lumber products were shipped to all of the cities that were developing across Californian and the west.

California became known for its fruit orchards and vegetables, and it was the ice from Truckee ice manufacturing that allowed trains to deliver produce across the country.

The Boca Brewing Company produced the first mountain beer called Boca Beer. It was shipped with the ice that was manufactured nearby. The area became famous across the country because of ‘Ice Cold Boca Beer.’

A Winter Wonderland

As trains developed refrigerated compartments and the demand for mine lumber declined, Truckee transformed into a winter sports destination. The Winter Carnival featured an actual ice palace. It was built using chicken wire and by freezing water into a sculpture.

Whether by train or stagecoach, travelers began exploring the beautiful lakes and mountains. In 1915, Highway 40 was built over Donner Summit, bringing many visitors in their motor cars.

The winter games at Squaw Valley in 1960 made the area famous around the world. When interstate 80 opened in 1964, Truckee and Lake Tahoe exploded with tourism. In 1993, the Town of Truckee was incorporated and continues to ensure that the charm of the 1800’s is kept alive in the city’s downtown architecture.

Own a Piece of Truckee’s History

10100 Church Street

This charming mountain home is located in the heart of downtown Truckee, close to restaurants, quaint shops, train station and the area’s best skiing. It boasts an extensive remodel with new kitchen cabinets and quartz countertops, new paint and light fixtures throughout, and new carpet. It is zoned Mixed Use with so much potential for commercial and residential use. Walk to the new Trout Creek trail along Trout Creek. Approx. 20 minutes from multiple Ski Areas! Property runs from Church St to E Street.

Price: $899,900

Contact us today to explore the many neighborhoods of the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area. We can also offer you a free property analysis if you are thinking of listing your home.