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| Landmark #141 | El Dorado County | Visited: April 5, 2015 | Plaque? NO. 🙁 |
| What is it? | An old, dilapidated tavern with a mannikin hanging from the rafters! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: In the days of 1849, when this city was called Hangtown, vigilantes executed many men for various crimes. This was the site of Hay Yard, on which stood the “Hangman’s Tree.” The stump of the tree is under the building on which the plaque is placed.
OTHER TIDBITS: Legend has it that Placerville got the name “Hangtown” from a botched robbery of a man named Lopez who had won a lot of money. With a little help, Lopez overpowered the three robbers, and they were brought to a 30-minute trial and unanimously sentenced to death, though the story also goes that they were two French and one Chilean who spoke no English and couldn’t defend themselves! The building on top of the stump was a tavern until 2008 when it was shuttered for being unsafe. For many years, it has sat, surrounded by rumors of haunting. The mannikin hanging out front, named George, disappeared in 2008, then mysteriously reappeared in 2011. It has since been a point of contention whether the town wanted to keep him or chuck him, but he does seem to be a big draw! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: 305 Main St Placerville, CA 95667 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~425mi (684km) — 7.1hrs |
| When should I go? | Whenever the mood strikes you! |