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Placerville, CA

Frequently asked questions

Placerville, CA

Placerville is a city in and the county seat of El Dorado County, California. The population was 10,747 as of the 2020 census, up from 10,389 as of the 2010 census. It is part of the Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

A former Maidu settlement called Indak was located at the site of the town. After the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in nearby Coloma, California, by James W. Marshall in 1848 sparked the California Gold Rush, the small town now known as Placerville was known as Dry Diggin's after how the miners moved cartloads of dry soil to run water to separate the gold from the soil.

Later in 1849, the town earned its most common historical name, "Hangtown", because of the numerous hangings that had occurred there. However, there is debate on exactly how many lynchings occurred in the town. The town had no police force (in 1849) and five immigrants attempted robbery of a Mexican gambler. Of the five immigrants, two Frenchmen and one Chilean were known as wanted men, and they were not given any trial, instead, they were hanged on an oak tree on Main Street by a mob. The name "Hangtown" stuck after that event.

By about 1850, the temperance league and a few local churches had begun to request that a more friendly name be bestowed upon the town. The name was not changed until 1854 when the City of Placerville was incorporated, taking the name from the local placer gold deposits. At its incorporation, Placerville was the third-largest town in California. In 1857, the county seat was then moved from Coloma to Placerville, where it remains today. The town's first post office opened in 1850. In 1871, the Placerville Union Cemetery was founded by a group of fraternal organizations, and it holds the graves of many of the city founders.

Placerville is now registered as California Historical Landmark #701. Placerville's logo featured a hangman's noose, about the town's history as "Hangtown", until 2021, when the town council voted to remove it. An earlier proposal to redesign the logo had been rejected in 2020.

Placerville is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills where U.S. Route 50 crosses State Route 49. It is the location of three traffic signals along U.S. Route 50, which is otherwise a freeway. Downtown Placerville is about 1,867 feet (569 m) above sea level, while unincorporated areas of the city range from 1,800 feet (550 m) to nearly 4,000 feet (1,200 m). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.8 square miles (15 km2), over 99% of it land.

Placerville gives importance to health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by Placerville’s Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Anytime Fitness, Snap Fitness, and Kaia FIT. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Placerville, such as the Old Flume Trail Trailhead and the Finnon Reservoir Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Placerville, CA are Apple Hill Growers Association Inc., Gold Bug Park & Mine, and El Dorado County Historical Museum.

Population: 10,656 (2023). ZIP code: 95667. Area code: 95667. Elevation: 1,867 ft (569 m). Area: 5.84 sq mi (15.13 km2).

FAQs

What is Placerville, California famous for?

Today Placerville remains the hub of the Mother Lode. The industry has turned from mining to lumber, agriculture, light manufacturing, tourism, and recreation and is famous for its vineyards and production of fine wines. Placerville remains the location of the offices of the El Dorado County government, but when the city and its rich history are recalled, it is the colorful name of Hangtown that has endured.

Is it expensive to live in Placerville, CA?

Placerville, California's cost of living is 13% higher than the national average. Placerville's housing expenses are 25% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 6% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 24% higher than the national average.

What is the hottest month in Placerville, CA?

Every year, Placerville has about 121 days, or 4.0 months, with comfortable weather. In the summer months, the hottest month of the year in Placerville is July, with an average high of 93°F and an average low of 61°F. In the winter months, the lowest temperatures are reached in December with an average high of 54°F and an average low of 34°F.
 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Placerville

Placerville’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Anytime Fitness

Snap Fitness

Kaia FIT

Old Flume Trail Trailhead 

Finnon Reservoir Loop

Apple Hill Growers Association Inc

Gold Bug Park & Mine

El Dorado County Historical Museum

My Perfect Weather

Payscale

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