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| Landmark #475 | El Dorado County | Visited: April 5, 2015 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | A plaque right in the heart of the town of Placerville, formerly known as Hangtown! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: This rich mining camp was established on the banks of Hangtown Creek in the spring of 1848. Millions in gold were taken from its ravines and hills, and it served as a supply center for mining camps and transportation terminus for the famous Comstock Lode. John M. Studebaker, Mark Hopkins, Leland Stanford, Phillip Armour, and Edwin Markham were among well-known men who contributed to Placerville’s history, as did John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson, who carried from 60 to 80 pounds of mail on skis from Placerville over the Sierra to Carson Valley during winter months.
OTHER TIDBITS: The town used to be called Hangtown because of the vigilante hangings that took place here, but the local temperance league and some churches pushed for the town’s name to be changed to something nicer. So, in 1854, it became Placerville! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: NE corner of Bedford and Main Placerville, CA 95667 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~425mi (684km) — 7.1hrs |
| When should I go? | Whenever the mood strikes you! |