Placerville Live Cam
Located above the fog and below the snowline
The county seat is Placerville
A land rich with opportunity, boundless in possibilities. Guided by the pioneering spirit that drew the gold seekers of yesterday, today's El Dorado prospers in its people. Our beautifully small and forested communities thrive in the same entrepeneurism that developed the west. A place of wonder, natural in every way. From Tahoe to Coloma to El Dorado Hills to Placerville, today's El Dorado provides it all. Expand your world and experience ours. The gold is still here, waiting.
Stunning El Dorado County offers more than 1,800 miles square miles of remarkably diverse topography for filming movies and commercials, nestled between Sacramento and the magnificent Sierra Nevada.
El Dorado County's location as part of the Greater Sacramento Area works in combination with the rapid growth of the region to create a broad spectrum of business opportunities. Add to this the availability of competitively priced land for industry and housing, a skilled work force, superior transportation services, ample natural resources and the result is a dynamic and prosperous business community.
El Dorado County has historically relied on agriculture, mining, timber harvesting and tourism as an economic base. In the late 1970's the county began a diversification trend that continues today. Population growth and increasing personal income combine to create new demand for goods and services, particularly in the areas of services and retail trade. Business from the urban areas of San Francisco, Los Angeles and Sacramento are utilizing El Dorado County's advantages to establish operations here.
The county seat of El Dorado County
For many, Placerville is that place on the way to South Lake Tahoe with the three stop lights that sometimes take forever to get through. But for those who dare to venture off Highway 50 just one hundred yards, a world of history, charm, fun and excitement can be found.
Nestled in the Sierra Foothills, Placerville at first glance looks like many other foothill communities, but a closer look will reveal much, much more. This town was born of the Gold Rush in the late 1840's after James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, just eight miles away.
Hundreds of prospectors gathered to search for gold in what was called "Old Dry Diggings". But as the population swelled into the thousands, and gold fever ran wild, the name of "Old Dry Diggings" gave way to the new name of "Hangtown" for the swift and often times unfair justice that emerged from this wild west town. Ultimately, "Old Hangtown" became known as Placerville. Today, as we commemorate the 150th "Sesquicentennial" anniversary of the discovery of gold, you will find Placerville is still a busy town that has held onto much of it's precious gold rush history.
Take a stroll down Main Street in Historic Downtown Placerville or visit one of the surrounding areas like Coloma, Lotus, Gold Hill, Diamond Springs, El Dorado or Pleasant Valley. Each offers it's own place in history, and it's own special recreational attractions or agricultural products. All this and more awaits you in Placerville.
