Placerville in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Hangmans Tree

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 30, 2005

1. Hangmans Tree Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This city in the days of ’49
was called
“Hangtown”

This was the site of Elstner’s Hay Yard on which stood the ‘Hangman’s Tree’ where vigilantes executed many men for various crimes. The stump of the tree is under this building.

Erected 1934 by Marguerite Parlor No. 12 N.D.G.W. and Placerville Parlor No. 9 N.S.G.W. May 31, 1934. (Marker Number 141.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the Historic Trees, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists.

Location. 38° 43.697′ N, 120° 48.147′ W. Marker is in Placerville, California, in El Dorado County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Center Street on Main Street. The marker is on the wall of the Hangman's Tree Historic Spot Bar. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 Main Street, Placerville CA 95667, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Forum Café / Union Hotel / United States Trio Hall / The Forum Café / The Blue Bell Café (within shouting distance of this marker); Branch Saloon/Bingham's Jewelrey/Seligman Building/Ewing Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Bayles Building (1853) (within shouting distance of this marker); Three Unfortunates Hanged (within shouting distance of this marker); John A. "Snowshoe" Thompson (within shouting distance of this marker); Placerville Pony Express (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Snowshoe Thompson (about 300 feet away); Randolph Jewelers (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Placerville.

More about this marker. This site is a California Registered Historical Landmark (No. 141).

Also see . . . Old Hangtown. Gold Rush Chronicles website entry (Submitted on August 20, 2008.)

Additional commentary.
1. Hangman's Tree
Hangman’s Tree Bar closed in 2008, when the city of Placerville declared the building unsafe and recommended demolition. In 2012, Sue and Tim Taylor purchased the building and the adjacent Herrick Building and began restoring both. In 2017, the Taylors opened the Hangman’s Tree Ice Cream Saloon. Ms. Taylor says the stump of the famous oak is still beneath the floor in the middle of the shop.

George,

The Stump of the Tree is Under this "Establishment" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 30, 2005

2. The Stump of the Tree is Under this "Establishment"

the hanged mannequin, was stolen the night before the Hangman’s Tree Bar bar closed, but he mysteriously returned three years later.

Source: Comstock's Magazine, 20 September 2019

— Submitted November 17, 2022, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California.

Vintage Postcard image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Frashers Foto

3. Vintage Postcard

Hangman's Tree - Historical Spot Placerville, El Dorado County, California This city in the Days of '49, was called 'Hangtown'. The site of Elstner's Hay Yard on which stood the 'Hangman's Tree' is where vigilantes executed many men for various crimes. The stump of the tree is under this building.

Hangman's Tree Ice Cream Saloon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, October 23, 2022

4. Hangman's Tree Ice Cream Saloon

The bar closed in 2008 and the Ice Cream Saloon opened in 2017 after the building was renovated.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, October 23, 2022

5. Hangman's Tree Ice Cream Saloon

The locals call the hanged mannequin George.

Placerville City Seal image. Click for full size.

Wikipedia Public Domain

6. Placerville City Seal

On 13 April 2021, the Placerville City Council voted unanimously to remove the noose from the Placerville city seal.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 5,278 times since then and 487 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on September 17, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 17, 2022, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.