 The locale known as Westville is a 15-mile trip northeast of Foresthill, located on a steep, 2,200-foot climb. Perched on a cliff near the headwaters of Indian Creek, this former stage stop was founded by George West, who built his “Westville Hotel, Saloon and General Store” here in 1883.
In 1887, a U.S. Post Office was established, illustrating Westwood’s growing importance in the region.
Stages ran daily to Westville, connecting this small station to Auburn, Colfax, Foresthill and Michigan Bluff. A steady stream of teamsters also stopped by on their way to the high-elevation mines or to the remote town of Deadwood.
When heavy winter snows stalled travel, the road had to be cleared as quickly as possible. George West claimed one severe winter brought 25 feet of snow to the area.
By 1925, this once distinguished destination was abandoned as mining activities dwindled upon the Foresthill Divide. Sadly, the historic Westville Hotel burned to the ground in 1931. With no one witnessing the fire, the smoldering ruins were discovered by John Beecrof, who passed by on the way from his mine at Mumford’s Bar.
Credits: This description is condensed from a prior project by the Placer County Museums.
Photo: Breaking the road to Westville. Circa 1890. Placer County Museums collection.
 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: Mahany Park Certified Farmers' Market, Maidu Park Farmers' Market, Roseville Fountains Farmers' Market, Kaiser Riverside Farmers' Market, Kaiser Eureka Farmers' Market, Sweet Surprises Gift Card Hunt
Lincoln: Farmers’ Market at Fowler Ranch, Kaiser Lincoln Farmers' Market
Auburn: Auburn Old Town Farmer’s Market – Placer Farmers Market, Sacred Arts Of Tibet Tour In Auburn-Sand Mandala, North Auburn Artists Reception
Colfax: Community Craft Club, Sierra Vista Community Center Flea Market, The Women Who Refused to Behave — A Live History Event with Chris Enss, Flea Market
North Lake Tahoe: Smore’s O’clock, The Village at Northstar Après Music Series, KT Bass Bar Music Series, Throwback Thursdays, Snowfest 2026
...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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