Placerville is a California "gold rush" town named after the placer gold deposits found in its river beds and hills in the late 1840’s.

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.

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.

Placerville is well situated with nearby Premier Wineries, Apple Hill Ranches, Historic Coloma, the American River, and the El Dorado National Forest all located within minutes of downtown Placerville.

An important historic landmark still on Main Street is the Bell Tower, standing as a monument to the city’s volunteer firemen. The Bell, placed in the tower in the plaza in 1865, was used to call out the firefighters. Cast in 1860, the bell arrived in Placerville in 1865 at a cost of $380.00.  This tower has watched most of Placerville's history pass beneath it for well over 100 years. It has been remodeled, relocated, and renovated. Today it proudly stands as a monument to honor our city's volunteer firemen and serves as a gathering place for parades, celebrations, and other Historic Main Street events.