Awash with history from the Gold Rush era, Placer Valley retains its beauty and graceful connections to the past, while building a thriving community to serve the diverse needs and interests of residents, businesses and guests. Placer County, established in 1851, was named for the Spanish word, “placer,” meaning sand or gravel containing gold.
In towns dominated by the railroads, where rock quarries, mines and sprawling ranches once stood are the cities of Lincoln, Loomis, Newcastle, Penryn, Roseville, Rocklin, and Granite Bay. Each city’s story is filled with promises for the future, and long time residents are eager to share them.
Celebrating the life of Maidu Indians, who once lived in Placer Valley, the Maidu Interpretive Center and Historic Site, community center and Regional Park, is located in Roseville. The center presents opportunities for children and their families to learn about Indian culture, view artifacts and explore a respite from city life.
Joel Parker Whitney’s establishment of Spring Valley Ranch was the beginning of the City of Rocklin. The 12 original granite bridges used to span creeks on the ranch have since become integral design features of the City of Rocklin’s many parks.
Newcastle, Loomis and Penryn became the premier fruit producers of the county. Placer County fruits ranked among the highest in the state. Thanks to shipping provided by the railroad, these towns transformed into major fruit producers—a trend that lasted through the 1990s. The plentiful yield from acres of fruit orchards and strawberry fields created the need for fruit packing and drying houses. Other businesses began as the towns grew. Butcher shops, saloons, hotels, churches, veterinary stables lined each city’s main streets. Today you can visit the wonderful farmers markets throughout Placer Valley!
