The Town of Placerville

The town of Placerville is located smack dab between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe in California. It is a quaint town with a lot of history.

Gold was found in 1848 only 8 miles north of Placerville. The town was originally called “Old Dry Diggins” which had to do with the way gold miners extracted gold from the soil. In 1849 it became known as “Hangtown” for all the hangings that occurred. In 1854 the town incorporated and the name was changed to Placerville. The town became the central hub of the Mother Lode area mining operations.

An old map of town

Follow me along a a tour of the town as it is today.

Hangman's Tree is actually located inside this building.

Taking a look across the street is the Cary Hotel. The hotel is said to be haunted. I did capture something in this photo. If you look at the top floor windows, the one farthest right, there is an image of a woman wearing Victorian dress. Look at the panes on the right side of the window. I did not see this when I took the photo.

Cary Hotel

Walking down the street a bit further, here is a photo that really gives you the flavor of Main Street.

A view of Main Street

The town still has many of the old buildings.

The building in the center is the old Masonic Temple Building

Looking to my right of this is the old bell tower.

Bell Tower

Continuing down the street we arrive at the hardware store. This is the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi.

Oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi!

Let’s go in! Make sure you check out the wood floors…

Inside the hardware store

My favorite section of the hardware store - Kitchen goods!

Heading out of the store and up the street we come to the old jail house, which was turned into the public restrooms. Very tiny building!

The old jailhouse

Looking back down main street…

Looking back down Main Street

I could show you more, but I think that you should come and visit this historic town!

There are really good restaurants here, and a “haunted” hotel, wineries and of course Apple Hill! Tell em Barb sent you!