Placerville, CA

Placerville CA population: 34,713                                          

Placerville California

  The gold rush in California began only 10 miles north of Placerville in Coloma and so very early in the gold rush the Placerville area was awash in gold seekers. In the summer of 1848 a few prospectors took more than $15,000 in placer gold in less than a week from the creeks and rivers in an area of California that we now call Placerville CA. Keep in mind that gold was only worth about $20-$30 an ounce at the time. Placerville originally was called "Dry Diggins" as were several towns that didn't "pan out" by impatient prospectors. During the boom years that followed, the area we now call Placerville was renamed Hangtown CA for a while...
(any guesses why?).

    This California town was eventually renamed Placerville as the town grew in prominence and a more respectable community reputation was desirable. It became the seat of government for El Dorado County in California which may not have occurred if they had not changed the name from Hangtown to Placerville.

  Year 2004 marks a one hundred and fifty year celebration for Placerville and in May, residents celebrated its sesquicentennial.

 Today Placervillle California has evolved into a brisk commercial and financial center. Much of Placerville's nostalgia as old Hangtown is hard to see among the modern shops, hotels, restaurants and coffee houses. However, the loss of a little nostalgia may be offset by the more modern conveniences for travelers to the Placerville area.

Gold Panning, Prospecting guided tours available for this area. Gold Panning Near Placerville California

Placerville CA Weather

From Placerville CA:

Coloma
10 miles N. on CA 49

Plymouth
20 miles S. on CA 49

Sacramento
40 miles W. on I-50

San Francisco
135 miles W. on I-50

Lake Tahoe
70 miles E. on US 50

Reno Nevada
25 miles N. on CA 49
100 miles E. on I-80

Placerville CA - Placerville California