Placerville

The Cary House in Placerville, California.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Placerville, California

Significance:

Gold Rush town; Pony Express station.

Designation:

National Register of Historic Places, California State Historic Landmark

MANAGED BY:

City of Placerville

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Pony Express California No. 12 Station
(Placerville / Hangtown / Old Dry Diggins / Ravine City)

"The story of old Hangtown really begins at Coloma, where James Marshall built a sawmill on the South Fork of the American River for his employer John Sutter. On January 24, 1848, Marshall discovered flecks of gold in the tail race of the mill, and when the news spread, the great Gold Rush began." (City of Placerville)

During the first several months of the Pony Express, a “southern” route, using California stations 13-15, was followed to Five Mile House; later, a “northern” route that used stations 16-18 was used.)  On July 1, 1861, Placerville became the Western Terminus.

Historic Resources

• Old Dry Diggins - Old Hangtown State Historical Landmark No. 475
  • Bedford Avenue at Main Street

“ 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 .” 

• Placerville - Overland Pony Express State Historical Landmark No.0701
  • Main Street at Sacramento Street

"Gold rush town and western terminus of the Placerville-Carson Road to the Comstock, Placerville was a relay station of the Central Overland Pony Express from April 4, 1860 until June 30, 1861. Here on April 4, 1860, the first eastbound pony rider, William (Sam) Hamilton, changed horses, added an express letter to his mochila, and sped away for Sportsman's Hall. Placerville was the western terminus of the Pony Express from July 1, 1861 until its discontinuance on October 26, 1861."

Site Information

Location (Placerville, California)
Safety Considerations

Placerville Historic Resources

More Site Information

California National Historic Trail

Pony Express National Historic Trail