History of Placerville, California, USA

(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.
www.cityofplacerville.org/ our_city/ about/ history.asp + www.historichwy49.com/ placer/ pvhist.html

1850 (Placerville) - The town's first post office opened in 1850

wikipedia.org

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.
www.cityofplacerville.org/ our_city/ about/ history.asp

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.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

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.
www.placerville-downtown.org/ history.html

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.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

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.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

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.
The Ogden Standard
Ogden, Utah
May 16, 1910

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.
Reno Evening Gazette
Reno, Nevada
August 15, 1922

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... Read MORE...