California Registered Historical Landmark No. 223:On 12 January, 1964, representatives of the State Park Commission and of the Museum gathered in dedication of a plaque to the town founder...
Putnam’s Stone Cabin
One hundred thirty feet west of this site, Charles Putnam built the first cabin of permanent habitation in what is now Inyo County in August 1861. The building served as a home, trading post, hospital, and "fort" for early settlers, as well as a survival point for travelers. It became the center of the settlement of “Putnam’s”, which five years later took the name “Independence”.