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Meeks Bay, California facts for kids

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Meeks Bay
Meeks Bay is located in California
Meeks Bay
Meeks Bay
Location in California
Meeks Bay is located in the United States
Meeks Bay
Meeks Bay
Location in the United States
Country United States
State California
County El Dorado County
Elevation
6,240 ft (1,902 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 985

Meeks Bay is a small, unincorporated community in California. This means it's a settled area that isn't officially a city or town. It's located right on the beautiful Lake Tahoe. This area is part of El Dorado County. Meeks Bay sits at an elevation of 6,240 feet (1,902 meters).

The Story Behind the Name

Meeks Bay has had a few different names over time. It was once called Meigs Bay, Micks Bay, and even Murphys. The name "Meeks Bay" comes from a man named John Meeks. He owned land in this area a long time ago. In 1862, John and his brothers collected 25 tons of wild hay from the meadows here.

From Resort to Campground

Meeks Bay was once a very popular place for summer vacations. It had a big resort with many fun things to do. There was a theater that could seat 400 people. Visitors could also find several restaurants and beauty shops. Horse stables were available for those who enjoyed riding.

The original resort closed down in the 1970s. After that, the US Forest Service built a campground on the same spot. This allowed more people to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The Washoe Tribe's Connection

The Washoe tribe has a long history with the Lake Tahoe area. They later bought back some of the meadow land along Lake Tahoe. This allowed them to open a new resort complex at Meeks Bay. This helped the tribe regain some of their original presence along the shores of Lake Tahoe.

Past Services

Meeks Bay also had its own post office for many years. It operated from 1929 until 1972.

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