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History of Placerville, California, USA
Journey back in time to Placerville, California, USA
Also known as(Hangtown)
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Placerville, California, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Placerville
Placerville, El Dorado, California, USA
The story of old Hangtown really begins at Coloma, where James Marshall built a sawmill on the South Fork of the American River for his employer John Sutter. On January 24, 1848, Marshall discovered flecks of gold in the tail race of the mill, and when the news spread, the great Gold Rush began...
By 1854, Hangtown had become the third largest town in California, surpassed only by San Francisco and Sacramento. Los Angeles was in 15th place with a mere 541 voters. With the increasing population came a temperance league, a Methodist Episcopal church and agitation for a less morbid name. Placerville had been suggested as early as 1850. It became official when the city was incorporated in 1854...
www.cityofplacerville.org/ our_city/ about/ history.asp
The story of old Hangtown really begins at Coloma, where James Marshall built a sawmill on the South Fork of the American River for his employer John Sutter. On January 24, 1848, Marshall discovered flecks of gold in the tail race of the mill, and when the news spread, the great Gold Rush began...
By 1854, Hangtown had become the third largest town in California, surpassed only by San Francisco and Sacramento. Los Angeles was in 15th place with a mere 541 voters. With the increasing population came a temperance league, a Methodist Episcopal church and agitation for a less morbid name. Placerville had been suggested as early as 1850. It became official when the city was incorporated in 1854...
www.cityofplacerville.org/ our_city/ about/ history.asp
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VINTAGE PLACERVILLE
Placerville Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Placerville, California, USA
Postcard
 - Main Street Placerville from the Cary House){kind=small}
Main Street Placerville from the Cary House
Placerville, California, USA
Postcard
 - Main St., Placerville, Calif., Showing Methodist Church){kind=small}
Main St., Placerville, Calif., Showing Methodist Church
Placerville, California, USA
Postcard
 - Methodist Church, 1907){kind=small}
Methodist Church, 1907
Placerville, California, USA
Postcard
 - Coloma Street Showing Episopal Church, Placerville, Calif.){kind=small}
Coloma Street Showing Episopal Church, Placerville, Calif.
Placerville, California, USA
Postcard
 - A View of Placerville, California){kind=small}
A View of Placerville, California
Placerville, California, USA
Postcard
 - Presbyterian Church at Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.){kind=small}
Presbyterian Church at Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.
Show more vintage photos, ads & postcards
Placerville, California, USA
Postcard
 - El Dorado County High School){kind=small}
El Dorado County High School
Placerville, California, USA
Postcard
 - Bird's Eye View){kind=small}
Bird's Eye View
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to PLACERVILLE
CALIFORNIA Dreamin' Ancestry Coffee Mug - Genealogy
Showcasing a witty caption that reads, "I'm from California! That explains a lot about my love for surfing at sunrise and wine tasting at sunset," this mug is designed to bring a smile to your face with every sip.
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LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Placerville: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Placerville through the years.
(Placerville) On January 24, 1848, James Marshall discovered flecks of gold in the tail race of John Sutter's mill, and when the news spread, the great Gold Rush began...
Shortly after James Marshall discovered Gold, the small town of "Old Dry Diggings" sprang up. Like so many other towns close to the original discovery site Old Dry Diggings rapidly populated with hundreds of gold seekers turning into thousands. Known as the "Road to the Comstock," Old Dry Diggings boasted the first railroad to the area and the first Telegraph.
Old Dry Diggings and Georgetown were center stage in California during the "Wild West." As such, the town later earned the infamous name of "Hangtown" for the overzealous use of hanging as a means of justice.
Old Dry Diggings and Georgetown were center stage in California during the "Wild West." As such, the town later earned the infamous name of "Hangtown" for the overzealous use of hanging as a means of justice.
1850 (Placerville) - The town's first post office opened in 1850
1854 (Placerville) - By 1854, Hangtown had become the third largest town in California, surpassed only by San Francisco and Sacramento.
Hangtown is incorporated as Placerville.
1854 - Placerville
Placbrville, a post-village of Eldorado co., California, about 90 miles E. N. E. from Vallejo. It is chiefly a mining settlement. Population of the village and vicinity, in 1850, 6628.
1865 - Bell Tower built on Main Street in Placerville
The Bell, placed in the tower in the plaza in 1865, was used as an alarm system to call out the firefighters.
1895 - Placerville
Pla'cerville, a post-town, capital of El Dorado co., Cal., is situated in a hilly country, about 50 miles E.N.E. of Sacramento, and 1 mile S. of the South Fork of the American River. It is 10 miles from the Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad. It contains 4 churches, 2 newspaper offices, an academy, 2 banking-houses, a flour mill, a foundry, and a machine-shop Gold is found here. Pop. in 1890, 1690.
1906
Placerville, a banking city, capital of Eldorado co., Cal., is situated in a hilly country, about 50 miles ENE. of Sacramento, on the Southern Pacific R., and 1 mile S. of the South Fork of the American River. It is in a gold-mining region. Pop. in 1900, 1748.
1910 - PLACERVILLE, CAL., FIRE.
Placerville, Cal., May 16. - Fire which broke out in a barn in the center of town last night, destroyed the courthouse, and several business houses, entailing a loss of about $100,000.
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1922 - WOMAN FATALLY HURT IN WRECK
SACRAMENTO, Aug. 15. - Miss Edna Bullard, thirty-eight years old, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ila L. Bullard, of Oroville, was fatally injured and Adjt. Gen. J. J. Borrce received minor injuries when an automobile Gen. Borrce was driving mountain-ward last Saturday afternoon skidded off the highway five miles west of Placeville, throwing the occupants out as it catapulted down an embankment.
Miss Bullard died at the Placerville Sanatorium Monday night. The accident and the death of Miss Bullard did not become know until late yesterday.
Miss Bullard died at the Placerville Sanatorium Monday night. The accident and the death of Miss Bullard did not become know until late yesterday.
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Placerville:
Explore Historic Main Street: Placerville's Main Street is like stepping back in time. You'll find quaint shops, art galleries, antique stores, and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved historic buildings. Don't forget to check out the historic Bell Tower.
Visit the El Dorado County Historical Museum: Located right on Main Street, this museum is a treasure trove of local history. Learn about the Gold Rush, early pioneers, and the town's development over the years.
Wander through Hangtown: Placerville was once known as "Hangtown" due to its reputation for swift frontier justice. You can see a replica gallows on Main Street and learn about the town's colorful past.
Apple Hill: Just outside of Placerville, Apple Hill is a collection of apple orchards, wineries, and farms. It's a must-visit in the fall for apple picking, cider tasting, and enjoying delicious apple pies.
Hike the Trails: El Dorado County offers numerous hiking opportunities. Try the South Fork American...
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Visit the El Dorado County Historical Museum: Located right on Main Street, this museum is a treasure trove of local history. Learn about the Gold Rush, early pioneers, and the town's development over the years.
Wander through Hangtown: Placerville was once known as "Hangtown" due to its reputation for swift frontier justice. You can see a replica gallows on Main Street and learn about the town's colorful past.
Apple Hill: Just outside of Placerville, Apple Hill is a collection of apple orchards, wineries, and farms. It's a must-visit in the fall for apple picking, cider tasting, and enjoying delicious apple pies.
Hike the Trails: El Dorado County offers numerous hiking opportunities. Try the South Fork American...
GENEALOGY IN PLACERVILLE
Discover YOUR Roots: Placerville Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Placerville, California, USA
We currently have information about 22 ancestors who were born or died in Placerville.
View ancestors by year of birthMARRIAGES
Ancestors Who Were Married in Placerville, California, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Placerville.
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Updated: 9/24/2023 9:53:16 AM
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