PLACERVILLE, Calif. — A new original song released through Sierra Community Access Television is shining a spotlight on one of El Dorado County’s longest-serving volunteer historical organizations, recognizing nearly four decades of community service by the Hangtown Marshals and the Ladies of Hangtown.
The musical tribute chronicles the group’s history, beginning with its founding in 1988 by Buck Kohlstedt and James “Alias” Stirling, and follows the volunteers through many of the public events that have become synonymous with Placerville’s historic downtown.
Known as the official living-history ambassadors for Placerville—still affectionately referred to by many residents as Old Hangtown—the organization has spent more than 35 years recreating the sights, sounds and stories of California’s Gold Rush while educating visitors about the county’s frontier past.
The lyrics describe the Marshals’ mission of preserving local history through authentic reenactments, public education and demonstrations that emphasize responsible firearm safety within carefully staged theatrical performances.
“They greet every traveler with stories and cheer, and the ghost of the Gold Rush seems close when they’re near.”
That lyric captures the role many residents recognize during weekends and community celebrations along Main Street, where volunteers dressed in period clothing greet visitors, pose for photographs and share stories from Placerville’s mining-era history.
Beyond downtown, the Hangtown Marshals regularly appear at community traditions that have become annual fixtures throughout El Dorado County. The song references their participation in the Placerville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, seasonal stagecoach rides, the annual Highway 50 Wagon Train, and appearances at regional wineries, Apple Hill ranches and community events.
Those activities reflect the organization’s broader educational mission: helping residents and visitors better understand the realities of life during the California Gold Rush while preserving traditions that helped shape Placerville and the surrounding foothill communities.
According to the Hangtown Marshals’ publicly stated mission, the organization was established “to perpetuate Old West traditions” through historically inspired performances and community engagement. Their volunteer efforts have made them recognizable ambassadors at civic celebrations and heritage tourism events throughout the county.
The song also highlights the Ladies of Hangtown, whose members portray pioneer women in historically inspired attire, helping create an immersive experience that extends beyond staged performances into conversations with visitors of all ages.
For communities across El Dorado County, heritage tourism remains an important part of the local economy. Living-history groups such as the Hangtown Marshals provide an interactive connection to Placerville’s Gold Rush identity, complementing museums, historic buildings and annual festivals that draw thousands of visitors each year.
The release on Sierra Community Access Television serves not only as entertainment but also as recognition of the volunteers who have dedicated decades to preserving local history.
As the song concludes:
“Long may their boots echo down Main Street’s worn way, and long may Old Hangtown live on through their play.”
For many Placerville residents, those words reflect an enduring commitment to keeping one of California’s most colorful Gold Rush communities alive—not simply through buildings and monuments, but through the volunteers who continue to bring its history to life.
See more content on the Sierra Community Access Television channel
Sources: Sierra Community Access Television release; historical information provided by the Hangtown Marshals organization; publicly available historical background on the Hangtown Marshals’ founding and community mission.
