Old Dry Diggins-Old Hangtown-Placerville

What the camp produced besides gold was other people's fortunes. John Studebaker made wheelbarrows here for the miners before he made wagons and, eventually, cars. The plaque lists Mark Hopkins, Leland Stanford, Philip Armour and Edwin Markham alongside him, men who took what they learned here and got rich somewhere else. It also names Snowshoe Thompson, who carried mail on skis over the Sierra in winter. The bronze spells Armour's first name Phillip. Placerville kept the supply trade and the road to the Comstock.

What the plaque says

Placerville Originally known as "Hangtown" Incorporated May 13, 1854 Established on banks of "Hangtown" Creek as rich mining camp in spring of 1848. Millions in gold were taken from its ravines and hills. Supply center for surrounding 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 early history. Also, "Snowshoe" John A. Thompson who carried from 60 to 80 pounds of mail on skis from Placerville over the Sierra to Carson Valley during winter months. Historical Landmark No. 475 Tablet furnished by California Centennials Commission. Base by James W. Marshall Chapter No. 49, E Clampus Vitus

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

• Studebaker's Shop (Site of) — steps away
• Hangman's Tree — 0.2 mi
• Placerville-Overland Pony Express Route in California — 0.3 mi
• Methodist Episcopal Church — 0.3 mi