This hardware store is one of a kind. This is the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi River. The building was built in 1850 and the hardware store has been around since 1852. Around since the days of the Gold Rush. The place is a historic landmark and a modern functioning hardware store. It is located right on Main Street in Placerville, CA. The hardwood floors, wooden counter, wooden cabinets, and wall ladder are original. The staff do not mind folks coming in to take a look around. If you look hard enough, you might see a gold miner’s leg sticking out of the ceiling. Speaking about gold mining, they have supplies for that as well. They carry kids kits, novice equipment and more advanced tools. Just up the road, not very far, is Sutter’s Mill. Gold was discovered there in 1848 sparking the Gold Rush. The shop is packed from ceiling to floor with inventory. They have tools ( hammers, screwdrivers, saws, etc); individual washer, nuts, bolts, nails; furnace filters; mops and brooms; cleaning supplies; plumbing supplies; gardening items…just like your regular average hardware store. The kind before big box shops. No lumber or nursery though. They even have knowledgeable staff that can assist you on your home improvement issues (plumbing, drywall, etc). The left side of the shop has household items, kitchen items, and gift shop kitsch. Even though I have been here tons of times throughout the years, I can still lose track of time just looking at all the merchandise.

- Lillian Verified