Historic Legends of The Cary House Hotel
- Original owner was William Cary, an East Coast businessman whose first business venture on the West Coast was the Cary House Hotel.
- Brick Hotel originally built and opened in 1857. Before that, the Cary House was a wooden hotel that burned down in 1849 during the Gold Rush.
- The wooden hotel served as a central location for supplies and also as a Gold Exchange.
- Fourth floor added in 1908 using gold dust found in the original lobby hardwood flooring.
- The Cary House became a central hub during the final years of the Gold Rush for Gold exchange and lodging.
Historic Ambience, Modern Amenities
Discover the rich legacy of the Historic Cary House Hotel, a cherished Placerville Hotel near Historic Main Street Placerville. Built in 1857 by entrepreneur and former mayor William Cary, this elegant three-story brick structure rose from the ashes of his previous inn, destroyed in Placerville's great fire. Designed as a fireproof luxury hotel during the height of the Gold Rush, it quickly earned the nickname "The Jewel of Placerville" for its opulent interiors and prime location in the heart of Hangtown (Placerville's earlier moniker).
The hotel served as a Wells Fargo office, Pioneer Stage Line headquarters, and gathering place for the era's elite. Notable guests included Mark Twain, who lectured here; Buffalo Bill Cody; outlaw Black Bart (rumored); entertainer Lola Montez; journalist Horace Greeley, who spoke from the balcony; John Studebaker; Levi Strauss; President Ulysses S. Grant; and later celebrities like Bette Davis and Elvis Presley.
Over the years, fires and renovations shaped its story, yet it retains Victorian charm with wrought-iron balconies, stained-glass windows, and antique furnishings. As a Hotel near Bradford Park, it offers easy access to serene green spaces amid historic surroundings.
Today, meticulously preserved by dedicated owners, the Cary House continues to welcome guests, blending Gold Country history with modern comfort. Stay with us and become part of Placerville's enduring legend on Historic Main Street.
Where Every Guest is Legendary