Placerville in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Douglass – Hines Building Bricks
The “Douglass – Hines” Building stood where the Fountain Plaza now stands at 312 Main Street.
After the disastrous fire in July of 1856, the merchants on Main Street decided to rebuild with fireproof materials. Many of the Main Street buildings were constructed of brick and stone with a layer of sand between the ceiling and roof and iron door shutters.
Joseph Douglass and H.L. Hines, both prominent business men of the day, completed their building in November of 1856. It was forty feet on Main Street and fifty feet deep, having a common brick wall in the center,
From 1856 until 1882 the building was in constant use and housed many successful businesses.
Torn down in 1982 to make way for the fountain plaza, the bricks from the building were saved and in 1998 were generously donated to the City of Placerville, by Doug, Peggy, Mike and Susanne Milton.
The iron door on the building is an excellent example of the iron doors used during the Gold Rush period.
Erected by The Heritage Association of El Dorado County, Plaque donated by Edward and Evelyn Ball.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1856.
Location. 38° 43.779′ N, 120° 47.999′ W. Marker is in Placerville, California, in El Dorado County. Marker is mounted on the side of the building which faces the driveway into the City Hall Parking Area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 403 Main Street, 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. In Respectful Memory of Joseph M. Staples (here, next to this marker); Confidence Engine Company (a few steps from this marker); Confidence Hall (a few steps from this marker); Morning Star #20 I.O.O.F Lodge Building (a few steps from this marker); Emigrant Jane (within shouting distance of this marker); James D. Rinehart (within shouting distance of this marker); County of El Dorado Courthouse Restoration (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Maul (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Placerville.
Additional keywords. California
Gold Rush
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,882 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.