Placerville, California (Old Hangtown)

Around 1840 the first gold was found in the area and Placerville named after the Placer Deposits was founded based on a mining and gold digger settlement.

For a visitor the best place to 'feel' the old times is Historic Downtown in Placerville.

Placerville is located just 40 mi east of Sacramento, directly at the intersection of US 49 and US 50. Drive time from sacramento is ca. 1 hour and along the route you'll discover beautifull scenery, apple plantations, and vineyards.

Sutter’s Mill in Coloma - only 10 mi away from Placerville - made Placerville famous in 1848 when the word-of-mouth spread that huge gold deposits were found. Tens of thousands of gold diggers rushed to the area and let Placerville grow.

Placerville has a nickname: "Hangtown". There exist multiple versions of the story but one of them has gained the most popularity.
When in 1849 the gambler named Lopez won big time he was threatened by a gang of outlaws. However, he fought back and with the help of other men they could overwhelm them. When the men found out that the outlaws were wanted for murder their days were counted...

National Register of Historical Places

The register lists 7 historical places in the town of Placerville, El Dorado county:

• Coloma, 7 mi. NW of Placerville on CA 49, Placerville, listed 1966-10-15
• Combellack-Blair House, 3059 Cedar Ravine, Placerville, listed 1985-02-14
• Confidence Hall, 487 Main St, Placerville, listed 1982-01-04
• Eddy Tree Breeding Station, 2480 and 2500 Carson Rd. Placerville, listed 1987-03-31
• Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, 2979 Coloma St., Placerville, listed 1977-11-17
• Fountain-Tallman Soda Works, 524 Main St., Placerville, listed 1984-09-13
• Hattie (Gold Bug), Priest and Silver Pine Mines and Stampmill, 2501 Bedford Ave., Placerville, listed 1985-11-15

(Source: National Register of Historical Places, http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/)

California PORTAL

weblinks for this article:
National Register of Historical Places
City of Placerville
Placerville / El Dorado County website