Rooted in Gold. Built for Tomorrow.

On April 25, 1851, Placer County was carved from the Sierra Nevada foothills during the height of the California Gold Rush — a land of rushing rivers, towering pines and people bold enough to build something lasting from scratch.

One hundred and seventy-five years later, that story is still being written.

This interactive timeline traces the arc of Placer County's remarkable journey — from the thundering stamp mills of Gold Hill to the world-class ski slopes of North Lake Tahoe ski resorts and home of the 1960 Winter Olympics; from the Transcontinental Railroad's iron spine laid through Auburn to the bike trails and open spaces families treasure today. Explore the moments that shaped our cities and communities, the leaders who dared to imagine what this county could become, and the everyday people whose grit and ingenuity turned a gold rush outpost into one of California's most vibrant regions.

Scroll through 175 years of history. Discover the photographs and milestones that connect our past to the thriving county we share today.
→ Select 2D or 3D view options by clicking or tapping on the white circular button in the lower-left corner of the timeline below.

This is Placer County — and this is only the beginning.