Hangtown

Hangtown is a historical nickname for the city of Placerville, California, which was known during the California Gold Rush as a prosperous mining town. The name "Hangtown" originated from the numerous hangings that took place in the city during the Gold Rush era.

History

Hangtown was originally known as "Old Dry Diggings" due to the manner in which the miners had to carry dry soil to running water to separate the gold. The town's name was changed to "Hangtown" after several hangings occurred there. The most famous of these was the hanging of three men who were convicted of robbery, which was a capital offense at the time.

In 1854, the town was incorporated as Placerville, but the nickname "Hangtown" has persisted. Today, the city of Placerville acknowledges its history with a dummy hanging from a noose on Main Street, a reminder of its lawless past.

Hangtown Fry

Hangtown is also known for the Hangtown Fry, a type of omelette made famous during the Gold Rush. The dish was supposedly created when a newly rich miner demanded the most expensive dish possible at a local restaurant, resulting in an omelette made with oysters and bacon, which were both costly ingredients at the time.

Culture

Hangtown is celebrated annually in Placerville during the Hangtown Gold Bug Park festival. The festival includes gold panning contests, a parade, and a historical reenactment of the town's Gold Rush era history.

See Also

• California Gold Rush
• Placerville, California
• Hangtown Fry