California State Parks

Since the late 1980's, Indiana University Underwater Science has been involved in development and enhancement of underwater parks in California. IU has conducted underwater archaeological investigations across the state, both in Lake Tahoe and in the Pacific. With the generous support of California State Parks and in cooperation with California's archaeologists and biologists, we hope to continue working towards the preservation of California's underwater cultural heritage.

California's first underwater shipwreck park, the Emerald Bay Historic Barges was officially opened to the public following the September 23, 1994 dedication ceremony. Located in 10 to 30 feet of clear water in picturesque Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, the site consists of two large wooden barges constructed of massive Ponderosa pine timbers. Although their names remain unknown, they are typical of the cordwood barges constructed in the early 1900s for use in carrying general cargo on the lake. These vessels are well made, but lacked their own propulsion. They were towed by steamers that made a regular circuit between California and Nevada anchorages.

One of the most significant archaeological features of Lake Tahoe are several submerged small boats in Emerald Bay. First reported in the 1980’s by John Foster, former senior archaeologist for California State Parks, these vessels have excellent integrity and represent the maritime history of Lake Tahoe. They are referred to as Lake Tahoe’s “Mini-Fleet." Because of the historical significance of the Emerald Bay Barges and Mini-Fleet, the cultural and natural resources of Emerald Bay were designated as a state-recognized underwater park in 1994 with the help of Indiana University.

In a survey conducted by Indiana University in 2004, all of the Mini-Fleet vessels were determined to be historically significant. These vessels provide us a small glimpse of small boat activity on Lake Tahoe prior to WWII. The Mini-Fleet represents various changes in the complexity of small-boat construction in the early 20^th century, including the transition from paddled kayak and rowboats to inboard and outboard motors.