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

Bayles Building (1853)

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 5, 2022

1. Bayles Building (1853) Marker

Inscription. This building was used as a post office from 1854 through 1858. Famous Norwegian skier and mailman Snowshoe Thompson picked up his first mail here in 1856. His courage and perseverance conquered the impassable winter Sierra Nevada mountains to carry mail, medicine and supplies to settlers in Nevada. This dedication and service lasted many years.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans series list.

Location. 38° 43.681′ N, 120° 48.182′ W. Marker is in Placerville, California, in El Dorado County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Sacramento Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 248 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

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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: John A. "Snowshoe" Thompson (a few steps from this marker); Snowshoe Thompson (within shouting distance of this marker); Placerville Pony Express (within shouting distance of this marker); Hangmans Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Three Unfortunates Hanged (within shouting distance of this marker); The Forum Café/Union Hotel/United States Trio Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Branch Saloon/Bingham's Jewelrey/Seligman Building/Ewing Building (about 300 feet away); Sgt. J. Scott Lindsay (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Placerville.

Also see . . . Snowshoe Thompson (Wikipedia).

"John Albert Thompson (born Jon Torsteinsson Rue; April 30, 1827 – May 15, 1876), nicknamed Snowshoe Thompson, an early resident of the Sierra Nevada of Nevada and California,
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 5, 2022

2. Bayles Building (1853) and Marker
The marker is visible here, just to the left of the lamppost.
was a Norwegian-American considered to be the father of California skiing."

(Submitted on March 10, 2022.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 415 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 10, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.