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

Georgetown - Pride of the Sierras

Growlersburg/E Clampus Vitus

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 23, 2012

1. Georgetown-Pride of the Sierra / Growlersburg / E Clampus Vitus Marker

Inscription. Georgetown
Pride of the Sierras Georgetown was founded in 1849 by George Phipps, a member of a party of sailors prospecting for gold, who first pitched his tent near the head of what is now known as Empire Canyon. George's town quickly developed into a center of commerce, providing supplies to gold miners working the many claims in the region.
Growlersburg Within Georgetown a small community in the lower area of town became known as Growlersburg, and was inhabited by those claiming to be part of the original Phipps party. Those raucous and rowdy residents were called Growlers.
E Clampus Vitus A Lodge of the ancient and honorable society of E Clampus Vitus was organized in Georgetown on March 15, 1856 by E. H. Van Decor, PNGH; California State Senators John L. Boles, NGH; and Hiram Lines, as well as approximately 200 other roisterous suspects. Their heirs of absurdity still survive today, known as Growlersburg Chapter 86.
This plaque is dedicated to Georgetown,
those early Miners, Growlers, Pioneers and the
spirited characters known as the Clampers. Satisfactory!

Erected 2008 by Growlersburg Chapter 86,

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E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1849.

Location. 38° 54.408′ N, 120° 50.315′ W. Marker is in Georgetown, California, in El Dorado County. It is on Wentworth Springs Road just south of Orleans Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker is mounted on a base just north of the fire station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 304 Wentworth Springs Road (aka Main Street), Georgetown CA 95634, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Sacramento Metro,

in the Gold Country,

and 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

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 23, 2012

2. Georgetown-Pride of the Sierra / Growlersburg / E Clampus Vitus Marker

walking distance of this marker: Georgetown Blues (a few steps from this marker); Growlersburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9241 (a few steps from this marker); Miners Club (a few steps from this marker); Georgetown Volunteer Firemen (within shouting distance of this marker); Chief Jack Anderson (within shouting distance of this marker); Georgetown (within shouting distance of this marker); Georgetown Firehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The American Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Georgetown.

Regarding Georgetown - Pride of the Sierras. George Phipps and some sailors discovered gold here in 1849. It was originally called Growlersburg because gold pans were said to "growl" with nuggets. The nearby village of Kelsey is where Marshall had his blacksmith shop. Garden Valley was the old Johnstown Camp. The Black Oak Mine in Garden Valley was extremely rich. Georgetown was rebuilt with a 100-foot wide Main Street to combat the all-too-common wild fires.
Source: Gold Rush Chronicles - http://www.comspark.com/chronicles/eldorado.htm#top

Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,671 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 23, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.