Placerville was founded during the Gold Rush in the 1840's and was named for the wealth of placer deposits found near town.  Originally an important supply center for mining camps, the downtown area now hosts new weekend adventures from fairs, beer & wine festivals to parades and gatherings of all sorts from March through December.  Known for its vibrant atmosphere, shopping, restaurants and close proximity to Apple Hill and many of the area's award winning wineries.  "Hangtown" as the County seat was nicknamed has kept its unique identity and is the finishing point for the summer Wagon Train event, when hundreds dress in frontier garb and make the long trek across the Sierras using only horse power. 

Placerville is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills between the Sacramento valley and Lake Tahoe basin in the heart of the historic Mother Lode along Highway 50.  Placerville is 35 miles east of Sacramento and 60 miles west of South Lake Tahoe.