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

Placerville

Originally Known as “Hangtown”

— Incorporated May 13, 1854 —

Placerville Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 30, 2005

1. Placerville Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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

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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.)

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 18, 2008

2. Placerville Marker

Additional keywords. Gold Rush

Placerville Soda Works image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 18, 2008

3. Placerville Soda Works

For a Short History of the Soda Works:
Click for more information.

El Dorado County Court House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 30, 2005

4. El Dorado County Court House

Placerville Bell Tower - Masonic Hall in Background image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 30, 2008

5. Placerville Bell Tower - Masonic Hall in Background

Zeisz Brewery Ruins 1862 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Stephanie Carlson, June 26, 2009

6. Zeisz Brewery Ruins 1862

The Zeisz Brewery Ruins are all that remain of a once extensive brewery establishment run by Bavarian brewer Jacob Zeisz. The building was built in 1862, and from within its stone walls came a fine brew made from pure Sierra water. It was torn down in 1966, and today only portions of the wine vault and upper walls remain, crumbling away in a parking lot located at 658 Main Street.

Photographed By Stephanie Carlson, June 26, 2009

7. Zeisz Brewery Ruins 1862

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 18, 2008

8. Zeisz Brewery Ruins 1862

Main Street and the Fire Bell Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 18, 2008

9. Main Street and the Fire Bell Monument

The first Bell Tower was placed there in 1865 for a fire alarm. It was briefly moved, but returned to this spot after the fire that consumed the Court House in 1910. Over the years it has been rebuilt to its present appearance. It has lost its original purpose, but remains a reminder of past days. Source: Placerville Walking Tour Brochure

Hangtown - 1850 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown

10. Hangtown - 1850

Vintage Postcard

Placerville Marker image. Click for more information.

Wells Fargo Bank Historical Museum (Artist Unknown), circa 1860's

11. Placerville Marker

Main Street (Commercial Buildings), Placerville
HABS CAL,9-PLACVI,15-
Click for more information.

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 3,896 times since then and 250 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.