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

The Old Vet’s Building

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 30, 2008

1. The Old Vet’s Building Marker

Inscription. In 1852 Phillip L. Platt preempted a ½ quarter section here. He erected a log building for the lodging of miners. He named his hotel The Kossuth House. Dr. Platt died in 1853. His widow sold the property to Anna W. Clark for $200 in 1856. She was still owner of record on the town site map of 1872. In 1923, the County of El Dorado purchased the property from Marcus P. Bennett, a very notable and highly respected Superior Court Judge for the sum of $1100. The property was purchased by the county to erect a building to serve as the American Legion Hall for Post No.119. The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce occupied this building beginning in 1972 after the Legion had moved to Veterans Memorial Hall.

The Native Sons of the Golden West dedicate this building, which houses The Chamber of Commerce to the memory of the Pioneer Businessmen of Placerville in the 1850’s. Some of the most notable are John M. Studebaker; Phillip P. Armour; and Abraham and Rudolph Seligman.

Erected 2004 by The Native Sons of the Golden West, Richard S. Kimball, Grand President, March 13, 2004.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce

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• Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 38° 43.765′ N, 120° 47.895′ W. Marker is in Placerville, California, in El Dorado County. It is on Main Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is mounted on the front of the building to the left of the door. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 542 Main Street, Placerville CA 95667, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro,

in the Gold Country,

in the Sierra Nevada,

and in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fountain and Tallman Soda Works (within shouting distance of this marker); John Mohler Studebaker (within shouting distance of this marker); Placerville (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Maul (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); County of El Dorado Courthouse Restoration (about 300 feet away); Emigrant Jane (about 400 feet away); Confidence Engine Company (about 500 feet away); Confidence Hall (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Placerville.

The Old Vet’s Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 30, 2008

2. The Old Vet’s Building

Home of the Placerville Chamber of Commerce Marker is located to the left of the door

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 30, 2008

3. The Old Vet’s Building

A second marker, mounted to the right of the door: EL DORADO COUNTY MEMORIAL BUILDING Dedicated by the citizens of El Dorado County to her sons and daughters who responded to the call to arms and died in defense of their country. Erected 1923 A.D. by the Board of Supervisors of El Dorado County Charles Schroeder, Chairman J.S. Creighton ** John Wagner W.S.Biggs ** P.F.Morgan

West Side of Building - Mural and Exposed Brick image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 30, 2008

4. West Side of Building - Mural and Exposed Brick

Close-Up of Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 30, 2008

5. Close-Up of Mural

Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,128 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 31, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.