The discovery of gold in California in 1848 at Sutter’s Mill set off the migration of thousands of fortune-seekers to the foothills of the northern Sierra Nevada mountain range. Today, if you’re looking for the flavor of the Old West there’s no better place to go than to those same foothills and the town of Placerville.

Placerville sits along both sides of U.S. Interstate 50 (the first road to link the East coast of the United States to the West coast); it is just about 10 miles south of the town of Coloma where you can still tour Sutter’s Mill.

Originally, Placerville was called Dry Diggins because the gold miners had to cart dry soil down from the hills to the running waters near the town to wash out the gold. Not all the newcomers, however, were interested in gathering their share of the plentiful wealth by the back-breaking labor required for mining gold. Murders and robberies became frequent in the mining camps along the American River. Before long, many merchants and miners had lost their gold at knife point.

After one such crime early in 1849, an impromptu citizens’ jury met to consider the fate of the three accused. The jury wasted little time reaching a verdict, “Hang them!” And so it was that the first among several hangings was carried out. The site was a giant white oak in the corner of a hay yard near the center of town. The word spread quickly and Dry Diggins soon became known as Hangtown. Today, only the tree stump remains, and can be viewed in the cellar of a bar on Main Street.

Hangtown became an important supply center for the surrounding mining camps. As a result, by 1854, it was the third largest town in California, surpassed only by San Francisco and Sacramento. With the increasing population came a temperance league, a Methodist Episcopal Church and agitation for a less morbid name. The name Placerville had been suggested as early as 1850 because the river sand and gravel containing gold particles were called placer deposits. So, when the town incorporated in 1854 the name Placerville became official.

Placerville’s heritage is reflected in the historical, nineteenth century architecture of its downtown core along Main Street. An important historic landmark that remains on Main Street is the Bell Tower, standing as a monument to the city's volunteer firemen. After three fires in 1856 claimed most of the business section, the need for an alarm system prompted the town to order a bell from England. The bell was originally cast in 1860 and arrived in Placerville in 1865. Today, the Bell Tower serves as a gathering place for parades, celebrations, and other historic Main Street events.

Main Street is lined with saloons, dining establishments, art galleries, leather goods and clothing stores and other shops offering useful as well as unique purchases. Visiting Placerville Hardware is a must. The store is filled to its rafters with old and new tools, blankets, shirts, gloves, kitchenware, and almost anything else a person could want including specialty gifts. Be sure to look for the “miner” stuck in the ceiling above the handtools!

On the third Saturday of each month, head for the Bell Tower where you can catch a free real life stagecoach ride through the area.

For exhibits and memorabilia of the town’s past go to the Fountain Tallman Museum. The museum is housed in the oldest surviving building in Placerville, the Fountain Tallman Soda Works Building built in 1852 to bottle and sell water to the miners.

Located just a short drive north of Placerville is Apple Hill comprised of more than 50 apple orchards, fruit and vegetable ranches, day spas, micro-breweries and wineries. In Fall, apples, baked goods and craft fairs welcome visitors. Just before Christmas, tree farms open for thousands of people ready to cut down their own tree and enjoy a family picnic in the area.

For a wonderfully Old West experience combined with modern day pampering, stay at the Fleming Jones Homestead Bed and Breakfast. The Homestead was built in 1883 and is currently a working horse ranch with about 30 miniature horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, beautiful gardens and a vineyard. The bunk and main houses contain period antiques, cozy four-poster beds with comforters and restful rocking chairs. Dogs are welcome in the bunkhouse and can enjoy running around the grounds. Robin and Mark, who own and operate the Homestead, are very gracious hosts providing you with welcoming treats, afternoon wine , interesting conversations about the history of the Homestead and the area, and fabulous morning breakfasts.



Activities and sites were visted anonymously, paid for personnally, and the visit and review were not compensated.