Bordered by the Middle Fork of the American and, Rubicon rivers to the north and the, Consumnes and South Fork Consumnes rivers to the south, it is easy to see why Placerville, "Old Dry Diggings," was such a popular spot during the Gold Rush as well as today. Like so many other towns close to Coloma, the spot James Marshall discovered Gold, its founding and subsequential swell of population came almost overnight because of the Gold Rush. Originally called "Old Dry Diggings" the town later earned the infamous name of "Hangtown" for the overzealous use of hanging as a means of justice. Hangtown was center stage for the "Wild West." Later the name was changed to Placerville. On February 18, 1850 El Dorado County was created with Coloma selected as the first county seat. Only 7 months later California became the 31st state in the union. In 1854 the county seat was moved to Placerville where it has remained for 150 years. Placerville sits on Hwy 50 in the foothills and serves as the gateway to South Lake Tahoe. Take a walk down Main Street pursuing the quaint shops of Historic Downtown Placerville, or visiting one of the many historical sites Today Placerville's healthy economy is in part due to its diverse industries including; Gold, lumber, lime, slate, pears, apples, cherries, cattle, sheep, wine grapes, wineries, and Christmas trees. Points of Interest • Hangman's Tree Saloon • Combellack Blair House • City Hall, 1857 • Justice Court, 1863 • Pony Express Marker • Hangtown Gold Bug Park and Gold Bug Mine • Cary House Hotel • U.S. Forest Service Institute of Forest Genetics Things to Do Shopping, historical sights, Apple Hill, Farm Trails, Wineries, hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, camping, fishing, water skiing, Annual Wagon Train For more information on picture perfect El Dorado County and its diverse recreational opportunities click on logo Headed to Lake Tahoe? Need Groceries? www.grocerydirect.net Facts & Stats Population: 15,714 Elevation: 2,000 ft. County: El Dorado County Climate: Winter 30 - 40 degrees Summer 75 - 95 degrees Avg. rain: 36.74" Avg. snow: 5.5" Amenities: Airport Transportation El Dorado Transit - 530-642-5383 or 888-246-2877 El Dorado Transit Dial-A-Ride - 530-642-5383 Greyhound Bus Lines - 800-231-2222 Placerville Airport. - 530-622-0459 Newspaper editor@goldcountrytimes.com Mountain Democrat www.mtdemocrat.com 530-622-1255 Rattlesnake Press Poetry with Fangs! rattlesnakepress.com