ABOUT

History of the museum

The Alpine County museum works to tell the story and preserve the history of Alpine County and its people. Beginning with the native Washoe, the pioneers in search of mining riches in the 1800’s, the first mining town of Silver Mountain City and Markleeville, the Basque sheepherders, and the establishment of Alpine County and through the present day. Here you can see the Old Webster School house, Silver Mountain City’s jailhouse, a Basque Oven, blacksmith shop, and much more!

Alpine County Museum and Alpine County Historical Society Mission Statement:
To preserve forever the rich cultural heritage of Alpine County and the Surrounding Eastern Sierra Nevada Area. Goals – Preserving the past, interpreting the past, and educating the present to preserve the future.

Where it began

The museum was built in 1971, and contains many exhibits highlighting Alpine County history. We feature an old country general store, a working stamp mill, and an old-time blacksmith shop. Also on display are exhibits of Washoe Indian basketry, clothing, rocks, and minerals and more. Displays feature information and artifacts of local mountain man Monte Wolfe, artist Walt Monroe, Snowshoe Thompson and the early days of Silver Mountain City.

The Alpine County Museum and Historical complex sits high on a knoll overlooking the historic town of Markleeville. From this perch, visitors are treated to a spectacular view of this historic town, its surrounding meadows, and the rugged peaks of the Sierras to the west.
Picnic tables are available for those who would like to pick up a deli lunch to-go at one of the local restaurants, or just sit and enjoy the view.

The Alpine County Historical Society was founded in 1963, and continues its work today preserving Alpine County’s fascinating history.

Our rich cultural heritage includes not only the artifacts on display here at the Museum, but also many sites of historic significance found throughout the area, from prehistoric sites to cemeteries and evidence of the early mining camps and settlements. Please help us protect these sites, and remember that digging for artifacts is illegal. We hope that as a visitor you will join us in protecting our special legacy for our children and grandchildren.

We welcome you to our county and hope you will enjoy our wonderful museum! We also encourage you to join the Alpine County Historical Society. Your donation or membership will assist us in continuing our work of conservation and protection.