Snuggle Inn History

Snuggle Inns and Steamboat Slough history

In 1862 California explorer and author James M. Hutchings published a book describing the “Scenes of Wonder and Curiosity in California”.

The book also contained many interesting sketches by the author. He had traveled all over the west, including exploring the California Delta region. This was at a time when there were very few levees, and Steamboat Slough was the preferred route for riverboats shipping miners, farmers and settlers between San Francisco and Sacramento. Sketch to the right is reprinted from his book, available for viewing by all online. Here’s Mr. Hutchings 1862 description of his ride up Steamboat Slough on the sternwheeler Antelope: “...As we pass through Steamboat Slough, we are impressed with the narrowness of the channel for such large vessels, the luxuriant foliage of the trees that adorn its banks, and the snug little cabins, nearly shut out from sight by wild vines and trees, that are seen at intervals on its margin. Indeed the scenery, as you steam up or down the river, is picturesque in no light degree. Here and there, as you turn with the sudden winding of the stream, you room upon the little boats of fishermen and Sloops with their sails furled like the folded wings of a sea-bird, waiting for the wind. The improvements of the husbandman are everywhere seen along the shore-cottages half hidden among the drooping branches of the sycamores, outhouses, haystacks, orchards, and gardens-with their product of squashes and cabbages piled in huge heaps; and here and there a school-house or church gives a cheerful domestic character to the scene. The landscape is diversified by the gnarled oaks, the vines clinging about them for support, and their branches covered with dark masses of mistletoe.”
The entire book, including sketches is available to view online at
Http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/scenes_of_wonder_and_curiosity/alabaster_cave.html

The little cabins have been replaced by more modern versions, but the ambiance of shady trees, wild vines and a peaceful setting on Steamboat Slough remain. We don't exactly when the cabins here started being called "Snuggle Inns" but we've spoken to visitors who said they were here in the 1960's and the name was used, and one family has an old plaque from one of the original cabins, built sometime in the 1920's, that was torn down in the 1950's. Snug Harbor received its first use permit from Solano County in 1949, under then name of the Martin Family, and it was called "Martin's Island". By the 1960's the name Snug Harbor and especially "Snug Cove" became the more commonly used name. Snug Cove is the perfect name for this small marina with fresh water that is wind and current protected. A storm can be blowing and it will be peaceful on our cove! Go to historic maps and sketches of Steamboat Slough

Please enjoy our slide show of some of the Snuggle Inns here at Snug Harbor. Turn on speakers if you'd like to hear original music about "walking in the park".

Snuggle Inn Lofts