Hangman's Tree

Placerville has changed its name twice to get out from under this. The camp was Old Dry Diggins first, then Hangtown, after the vigilante hangings of 1849 that the plaque records without much comment. Respectable citizens settled on Placerville in the 1850s. The tree they used was cut down long ago and built over, and the plaque is fixed to the building that covers it. The bronze says the stump is still underneath. It is a strange thing to advertise, and the town never has stopped.

What the plaque says

This city in the days of '49' was called "Hangtown" This was the site of Elstner's hay yard on which stood the 'Hangmans Tree' where vigilantes executed many men for various crimes. The stump of the tree is under this building. Dedicated May 31 1934 by Marguerite Parlor No. 12 N.D.G.W. and Placerville Parlor No. 9 N.S.G.W.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park — 6.7 mi
  The tailrace at Coloma where a carpenter found gold in January 1848 and the world came running.

More markers nearby

• Placerville-Overland Pony Express Route in California — steps away
• Old Dry Diggins-Old Hangtown-Placerville — 0.2 mi
• Studebaker's Shop (Site of) — 0.3 mi
• Methodist Episcopal Church — 0.5 mi