A Brief History of Placerville
Placerville became part of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad’s route through the San Juan region during the railway-building era of 1890–1891. The line linked Ridgway and Durango, carrying passengers as well as ore, coal, lumber and agricultural freight. Placerville’s depot connected the community to this regional transportation network. The railroad’s fortunes suffered after the silver crisis of 1893, alongside the mining economy it served. Today, Placerville remains an unincorporated San Miguel County community. Its restored schoolhouse continues to provide a gathering place, while the historic depot has been the subject of county preservation studies.