Redfish Lake Lodge

10,000 yrs ago

Prehistoric Native Americans used a rock overhang for shelter on the north end of Redfish Lake. Pictographs can still be seen on the ceiling of the overhang.

1800s

Alexander Ross explores the Salmon River Valley, but never visited Redfish Lake

1800s

Bands of the Shoshone Indians, locally known as the Tukudeka spent summers in the near Redfish Lake.

1862

Gold is discovered in Idaho.

1890

Although no gold of silver was found at Redfish Lake, miners use the mountain lake as a vacation retreat.

1907

364,000 sheep are grazing in the Salmon River Valley. The Federal government creates the Sawtooth National Forest.

1908

William and Lela Wooley homestead at the north end of Redfish Lake. The couple builds a cabin, barn and chicken coop, but Lela hates the lapping of the waves along the lake shore and the couple moves on.

1917

Bernard Horstman, a German immigrant registers a homestead on 160 acres east of Redfish Lake.

National Geographic publishes Robert Limbert's account of his 17-day trip with the help of Idaho Congressman Addison Smith. National Park Service sets aside 39-square miles and creates Craters of the Moon National Monument. President Calvin Coolidge signs the executive order May 2, 1924.

Limbert forms Sawtooth Tours Inc. with the help of local investors. He begins exploring the Sawtooth Mountains and travels the east with his films of people fishing and hiking. Limbert begins leading horse pack trips into the Sawtooth Mountains

Limbert gives a bird call and shooting demonstration before the Izaak Walton League in Omaha, and launches his national career as a performer.

Limbert leases the Lake Hotel from Horstman for $50/year, with the plan of enlarging the building and creating a lodge.

J.L. Kraft and Lewis Megowen give Limbert funding to build Redfish Lodge.

Megowen goes broke in the stock market. Limbert left looking for investors to help him finish the lodge.

Limbert works to fishing the lodge by himself, even panning for gold to pay for the project. Limbert completes the lodge at the end 1930

Limbert now travels 6-9 months out of the year and spends his summers with the family at Redfish Lake managing the resort.

Limbert featured in the Blue Book of World Celebrities next to Winston Churchill and Amelia Earhart.

1933

Publishing house Little and Brown want to publish Limbert's autobiography.

1933

Limbert dies of a heart attack in Cheyenne, WY, returning home from Chicago to see his dying mother Ida. Ida dies the next day and a double funeral is held in Boise. Lodge remains open that summer