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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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"

Click or scan to see
this page online

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); Snowshoe Thompson (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Placerville Pony Express (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.)

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.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 4,476 times since then and 181 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. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.