Westville, California, Placer County is a defunct settlement that once thrived during California’s gold rush era. Nestled in the scenic Sierra Nevada, it was a vibrant hub for miners seeking fortune. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Placer County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 39.1660° N, 120.7119° W
Elevation: Approximately 5,840 feet (1,780 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: The town was established in the late 19th century, around the 1860s, during the gold rush period.
Disestablished: Westville was largely abandoned by the early 20th century, around the 1920s, as the gold prospects dwindled.
Comments: Westville was primarily a mining town, thriving on the influx of prospectors and miners during the gold rush. Its location in the Sierra Nevada made it a strategic point for those seeking access to rich deposits of gold.
The town boasted a hotel, a general store, and several saloons, catering to the needs of its transient population.
Remains: Today, very little remains of Westville. Some remnants of old structures and mining equipment can still be found scattered in the area, though they are largely overgrown and deteriorated by time.
The site is marked by dense forests and rugged terrain, which have reclaimed much of the land.
Current Status: Westville is considered a ghost town with no permanent residents. History enthusiasts, hikers, and explorers who are drawn to its historical significance and natural beauty occasionally visit.
Remarks: Westville’s story reflects the boom-and-bust nature of mining towns during the gold rush. Its remnants offer a glimpse into a bygone era, where dreams of wealth and prosperity were pursued fervently.
Today, the site serves as a peaceful reminder of the impermanent nature of such settlements, inviting those who seek solitude and a connection to history.
