 By the 1860s, the California Gold Rush had shifted from a rush for riches to a period of settlement and steady growth. Mining ditches became commercial water systems, companies paid regular wages and many settlers turned to agriculture and other industries.
The history of the Traveler’s Rest reflects this transition. Built in 1851 by George Bishop and John Long, the two-story inn served as a stage stop along the main route from Sacramento to Folsom and Auburn along the American River. Though not the only roadhouse, it remains one of the oldest known buildings still standing in Placer County.
Popular with travelers and teamsters, the hotel expanded in 1856 with a one-story addition. By 1858, it became a private residence as its owners struggled financially. Court records show they borrowed from Eliza Caruthers, who sued over unpaid debts in 1861. After continued financial strain, the property was sold at a sheriff’s sale in 1864, where Caruthers purchased it for $4,772.71.
Caruthers, widowed in 1857 after her husband died in a mining accident, had briefly traveled to the East Coast aboard the SS Central America. The ship, carrying tons of California gold and hundreds of passengers, sank in a hurricane off the Carolinas. Caruthers survived, though hundreds perished.
After acquiring the property, she managed the 30-acre site, which included a vineyard and orchard, before selling it in 1868 to Bernhard Bernhard, a former teamster. With the arrival of the railroad, Bernhard expanded the property into a productive 130-acre agricultural operation.
Today, the former Traveler’s Rest is preserved as the Bernhard Museum and is open six days a week with free admission. Plan your visit
Explore our new interactive timeline — updated every Thursday with photographs, milestones and the stories of people who built this county. Explore timeline
 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, Sutter Roseville Farmers Market, Rainbow Party, Yoomen: A Celebration of Spring,
Rocklin: 26 Parks in 2026
Lincoln: Farmers’ Market at Fowler Ranch, Kaiser Lincoln Farmers' Market,
Auburn: Auburn Old Town Farmer’s Market – Placer Farmers Market, Farmers Market at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB, Placer County 175th Anniversary Special Walking Tours, Some Kind of Earth Day Festival
Colfax: Rock the Frog BBQ Fundraiser – Live Music in Colfax
North Lake Tahoe: Throwback Thursdays, Line Dancing Fridays, Tahoe Truckee Earth Day
...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
|
