Named after John Milton Nelson who came to California in 1850 and in 1886 homesteaded here and built a cabin near this spot. He visited here first in the 1860's while traveling over the Jordan Trail to the Owens Valley. This resort was first used by the Yaudanche Yokuts as a summer village which they called "Ketilmuh." Known in the late 1880's as "Prohibition Valley" - a name that was replaced in the 1890's by the fame of "Mr. Nelson's Camp." By 1901 a hotel and store were in operation: a sawmill had been packed in from Springville, and cabins were being built for summer homes. People came from the hot lower regions to spend time in the pinery fishing, hunting or just enjoying the cool unhurried atmosphere.
1906 new two story log hotel with 12 rooms completed
1907 road built to Camp Wishon, 8 miles from Nelson's
1909 John M. Nelson passed away at 78 years of age
1922 road completed to Camp Nelson from The Forks
1927 log hotel burned, new lodge begun
1931 mutual water company organized
1947 electricity brought to Camp Nelson
1956 telephone line reached Camp Nelson

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  

Cheboygan's Beginnings
The Village of Glenwillow
Mackinac and the Water Highway
Join the Voyage of Discovery
Mary Musgrove
Palmer's Division
Tule River Indian Reservation
Sparreska Palatset / Palace
"Horrible Massacre" / African American Cemetery
Zoar Meeting House

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.