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 Historic
West Point Inn
Secluded among the trees on the upper south slope of Mt. Tamalpais,
the Inn was once a stopover for passengers who rode the "Crookedest
Railroad in the World" up from Mill Valley to the top of the
mountain. The railroad is gone now, but the Inn remains as a haven
for hikers and a monument to the rich historic heritage of the region.
The sweeping panoramic view from West Point Inn includes much of
the East Bay, parts of San Francisco, the Marin Headlands, one tower
of the Golden Gate Bridge, and out over the Pacific Ocean.
A Brief History
West Point Inn, built at the railroad's westernmost point, hence
the name, is the only surviving structure of the world-famous Mill
Valley and Mt. Tamalpais Scenic Railway. The name was later changed
to Mt. Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railway. With 281 turns and curves,
it came to be known as the "Crookedest Railroad in the World".
The Inn was built in 1904 by the railroad as a restaurant and stopover
for passengers making connections with the stagecoach to Willow
Camp (Stinson Beach) and Bolinas. In later years, after the stage
line was discontinued, passengers making this winding journey up
from central Mill Valley to the "Double Bow Knot" had the choice
of connecting nearby with a gravity train down to Muir Woods or
continuing on past the Inn to the Tavern at East Peak.
The original Inn was remodeled in 1916 by architect Henry A. Boese,
at which time the front porch was added. In 1918 a small cabin was
constructed near the Inn by Dr. Washingon Dodge of San Francisco,
and by 1924 more rustic cabins had been added. During the period
1920 to 1924, Inn Keeper Martin Kliewe added the main lounge.
West Point Inn was run as part of the railroad until 1930 at which
time the line terminated operations and the Inn came under the jurisdiction
of the Marin Municipal Water District. From 1930 until World War
II, West Point Inn was leased to private caretakers as a public
tavern but was abandoned as unprofitable during the war.
West Point Inn Association
In 1943 the Marin Municipal Water District
considered razing all the old buildings because, unattended, they
were a fire hazard. Concerned citizens and members of hiking clubs
then formed the West Point Inn Club to save the historic facility.
For the next 34 years the club ran and maintained the Inn providing
refreshments, picnic facilities, restrooms, and overnight accommodations
to hikers.
In 1977, as a condition of lease renewal, the Club made the commitment
to undertake major restoration of the historic Inn. New by-laws
were adopted and in 1978 the name was changed to West Point Inn
Association to more accurately describe the organization of approximately
200 volunteers dedicated to preservation and restoration of the
Inn.
Several major projects and much refurbishing have been completed,
but a great deal remains to be done. While members' dues and contributions,
refreshments sales, and overnight use fees help with maintenence
and operating costs, additional contributions of capital are needed
for the on-going maintenance and restoration of the Inn.
You can help. Tax deductible (IRS 501.C.3) contributions are gratefully
accepted.
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