Placerville in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Placerville
Originally Known as “Hangtown”
— Incorporated May 13, 1854 —
Established on banks of “Hangtown” Creek as rich mining camp in spring of 1848. Millions in gold were taken from its ravines and hills. Supply center for surrounding mining camps and transportation terminus for famous Comstock Lode. John M. Studebaker, Mark Hopkins, Leland Stanford, Phillip Armour, and Edwin Markham were among well-known men who contributed to Placerville’s early history. Also, “Snowshoe” John A. Thompson who carried from 60 to 80 pounds of mail on skies from Placerville over the Sierra to Carson Valley during winter months.
Erected by The California Centennials Commission and the James W. Marshall Chapter No.49, E. Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 475.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 38° 43.783′ N, 120° 47.945′ W. Marker is in Placerville, California, in El Dorado County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Bradford Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Marker is across Bradford from the Court House. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Placerville CA 95667, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Thomas Maul (here, next to this marker); County of El Dorado Courthouse Restoration (within shouting distance of this marker); Fountain and Tallman Soda Works (within shouting distance of this marker); Emigrant Jane (within shouting distance of this marker); Confidence Engine Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Confidence Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Douglass – Hines Building Bricks (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Vet’s Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Placerville.
Regarding Placerville. This site has been designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.475..
Also see: Snowshoe Thompson and Placerville Pony Express markers for additional information.
Also see . . .
1. Old Hangtown. Gold Rush Chronicles website entry (Submitted on October 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. Placerville. California Ghost Towns website entry (Submitted on October 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Additional keywords. Gold Rush
Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,978 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on November 2, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6, 7. submitted on June 27, 2009, by Stephanie Carlson of Placerville, United States. 8, 9, 10. submitted on October 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 11. submitted on May 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.