Fannette Island is the only island in Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, United States. It lies within Emerald Bay. Over a long period of time, it was called many different names, including Coquette, Fanette, Baranoff, Dead Man's, Hermit's, and Emerald Isle. The island contains what is left of "Tea House", a building constructed by the owner of Vikingsholm, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight. Fannette Island, along with Vikingsholm and Emerald Bay, is a part of Emerald Bay State Park. It is accessible only by boat.
Captain Dick Barter, the Hermit of Emerald Bay
Fannette Island was the home of Captain Dick "Them's my toes" Barter from 1863-1873. The eccentric captain had moved over from England and built his own tomb and chapel on the island. He enjoyed sailing and earned his nickname from his penchant of showing his self-amputated toes to guests. Ironically, he would never be interred into the chapel he built. He died in a storm and his body was never recovered.
References
- More information about Fannette Island, Emerald Bay, and Vikingsholm, including link to a topographical map of the site, from AboutLakeTahoe.com
- California State Parks Emerald Bay State Park page
- Hermit of Emerald Bay
- AboutLakeTahoe.com, Fannette Island
Coordinates: 38°57′15″N 120°06′02″W / 38.95409°N 120.10067°W
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