Downieville in Sierra County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

St. Charles Hotel

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

1. St. Charles Hotel Marker

Inscription. The original hotel was built in 1850. Destroyed by fire, February 19, 1852 and rebuilt by Thomas H. Clair, Proprietor. It also was destroyed by fire in 1864. F. A. Eschbacker, built a new St. Charles Hotel and operated it into the 1880’s, upon his death his son William and his wife became proprietors, they sold to John Costa. In 1902 he sold to Antone Lavezzola who remained proprietor until 1942. Marion F. Lusk bought the hotel and sold to Ora Higgins who was the owner when it burned for the last time in 1947. The St. Charles was an area landmark and the principal hotel of Downieville. It housed the first telegraph and Wells Fargo Express Office.

Erected 1994 by Major William Downie Chapter No. 1849, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1853.

Location. 39° 33.625′ N, 120° 49.676′ W. Marker is in Downieville, California, in Sierra County. It is on Main Street east of Commercial Street (California Route 49), on

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the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 Main Street, Downieville CA 95936, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

on 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: The Shooting of Thaddeus Purdy (a few steps from this marker); Mackerman & Company Building (a few steps from this marker); Downieville Historic Riverfront District (a few steps from this marker); Craycroft Building (a few steps from this marker); Downieville (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Downieville Historic Riverfront District (within shouting distance of this marker); Josefa Segovia (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of Juanita (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map

St. Charles Hotel Site and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

2. St. Charles Hotel Site and Marker

The marker is mounted on the front of Sierra Hardware.

of all markers in Downieville.

St. Charles Hotel Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

3. St. Charles Hotel Sign

A front view of the sign which hung at the St. Charles Hotel. It is now on display at the Downieville Museum.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

4. St. Charles Hotel Sign

Rear view of the sign clearly showing the burn scars from the fire.

St. Charles Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Roger Sturtevant, Photographer, March 29, 1934

5. St. Charles Hotel

Library of Congress HABS CAL,46-DOWNV,7-2

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

6. St. Charles Hotel

Model of the St. Charles Hotel on display at the Downieville Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,058 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 28, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.