George Granville Blanchard
You have found the medallion for George Granville Blanchard. He was a 49er arriving in Placerville in August of 1849 with his children. His wife died on the overland trail. He mined for several years and then returned to his profession as a lawyer. He practiced law and was a judge in Placerville for many years. He was involved in local and state politics and many El Dorado County projects, including the management of the county fair.
G. G. Blanchard, as he was often referred to, contributed to the development of the wine industry in El Dorado County. He was the president of the District Agricultural Association and the El Dorado District Commissioner on the Board of California State Viticultural Commissioners. In 1891, the year of his death, his vineyard near Placerville produced more than 62 tons of wine grapes.
To find the next miner from G.G. Blanchard’s medallion . . .
Continue on Main Street toward Cedar Ravine to a place that advocates and promotes the business community. This place would have benefited this “miner” as she built and expanded her business in Placerville. Her medallion can be found at knee-level near a brick arch. If you have reached the crosswalk you have wandered too far.
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