 On June 29, 1882, a gallows was erected in the plaza of what is now Old Town Auburn. The following day, on June 30, an effigy of Charles Guiteau, assassin of President James Garfield the year before, was “executed” by hanging. The real Charles Guiteau was executed that same day in Washington, D.C.
According to the July 1, 1882, Placer Herald:
“…at one o’clock yesterday a very natural effigy of the assassin, Guiteau, was hanged thereon, with as much system and ceremony as though the assassin himself was being dealt with.”
For many years, the photograph above was believed to be the execution of James Freeland on June 6, 1856, the last public execution in Auburn. But a careful examination of the photo reveals very flimsy gallows that could not have supported Freeland’s execution. Plus, businesses occupying the buildings in the photograph came much later than 1856. In particular, the Cooperative Store, which is behind the gallows, did not occupy that building until 1878.
The photo most likely originates from the day of the “execution” of Charles Guiteau’s effigy in the Auburn Plaza on June 30, 1882.
 Whether it’s representing your community or sharing your expertise on topics like agriculture or parks, there are always opportunities for you to help advise county leaders on the issues that matter to you most. Recruitment is open now to fill seats on the following committees or commissions, among others. Learn more and apply
Current recruitments include:
 Don’t miss the fun coming this next week in...
Roseville: Roseville’s Fourth of July Parade & Celebration, Midsummer Show featuring NorCal Bats
Lincoln: Lincoln’s Fourth of July Parade, July Fourth Celebration, Fowler Ranch Farmer’s Market
Auburn: Summer Concert Series 2024, Annual Pancake Breakfast - Auburn Hook & Ladder Company No. 1
Foresthill: Foresthill Annual 4th of July at the Park
Colfax: Third of July Celebration, Farmacy Farmer’s Market
North Lake Tahoe: Tahoe City Fourth of July Drone Show, Fourth of July Celebration at Jake’s on the Lake, Keep Tahoe Red, White and Blue Cleanup, First Friday Jazz at Tap Haus, First Fridays Summer Art Markets, BargeFest at Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge, Concerts at Commons Beach, Music on the Beach
...and many Placer County Library and Placer County Museum events.
Visit our regional partners to discover more of the fun happening right here in Placer County!
Placer County Visitors' Bureau
North Tahoe Community Alliance
Tahoe City Downtown Association
The Arts Council of Placer County
Placer Valley Tourism
PlacerGROWN
Placer Wine Trail
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