El Dorado County (Dec 10 2023) – On the fateful evening of September 19, 1923, the historic town of El Dorado, deeply rooted in California’s pre-gold rush history, faced an unprecedented disaster. The town, surrounded by a burning forest, fell victim to a relentless fire, exacerbated by strong winds that swiftly engulfed nearly thirty buildings in its path.
In the span of a few harrowing hours, the flames consumed everything in their wake — homes, furniture, automobiles, clothing, and valuable store stock. The once-thriving community was left in ruins, and the residents were forced to confront the harsh reality of losing not just their possessions but their homes.
![Grizzly Flat [ca. 1851-1852]](https://www.inedc.com/23/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GrizzlyFlats-1851-1852-120x86.webp)
Despite the overwhelming destruction, a glimmer of hope emerged as the iconic Hotel Hill, standing on the brink of destruction, was miraculously spared through superhuman efforts to keep the flames at bay. However, the majority of El Dorado’s inhabitants were not as fortunate, losing almost everything they owned, clinging only to the clothing on their backs.
El Dorado had become an inferno, obscured by smoke, with seemingly everything ablaze. Men, undeterred by the overwhelming odds, fought tirelessly with whatever tools they could muster. Pumps, wells, pails, tubs, and pans—all pressed into service to convey water and smother the relentless flames.
In the midst of the chaos, numerous structures faced imminent destruction, but a collective effort, involving day laborers, county officials, farmers, merchants, and even newspaper men, emerged. The Hill cottage, subjected to eleven separate fires in twenty minutes, became a symbol of defiance as individuals like Hugh Beason, Philip Frost, Sheriff Wood, Jim Dixon, John Tinney, Max Mierson, and others joined forces to protect it. Charles Baumgardner’s heroic act on the burning gable exemplified the extraordinary lengths taken to preserve what remained.
By evening, the worst seemed over, but the toll was staggering. The Hill Hotel and garage, along with a handful of homes, were the lone survivors. Approximately thirty buildings succumbed to the flames, leaving only the foundations and walls of seven brick structures standing.
Historic landmarks met their demise, including the 1861 Masonic Temple, though the records of the lodge were salvaged in a courageous effort led by Jos. Windel. The Askew general store, the only church in town, the post office, the Wells-Fargo building, and several other dwellings and businesses were reduced to ashes.
The fire’s fury extended beyond El Dorado, devastating neighboring ranches and farmlands. Notable losses included the properties of Supervisor W. S. Biggs, Dr. L. G. Stevenson, Seymour Hill, and many others. The conflagration’s impact reached as far as the cemetery, leaving the once-thriving town in ruins.
Among the casualties were numerous significant structures, each representing a piece of El Dorado’s history:
- Mrs. W.H. Shinn’s 5-room house and barn in Woodridge.
- Chas. Sackett’s 7-room house and garage.
- J.T. Roy’s large barn and 40 tons of hay.
- Lillie E. Hill’s 5-room cottage (though her family residence was spared).
- Geo. W. Askew’s 6-room dwelling, garage, barn, and outbuildings.
- Seymour Hill’s Clark Hotel.
- Joe Wells’ automobile and furniture.
- The historic Masonic Hall, home to the records of Hiram Lodge No. 41, R.&A.M., and the pictures of the three first Masters.
Tragically, the affected properties had minimal insurance coverage, intensifying the financial toll on the victims. Additionally, a significant amount of cordwood was lost in the fire, anticipating challenges for the approaching winter.
The fire’s relentless advance not only claimed structures within El Dorado but also swept over neighboring ranches and properties, leaving a trail of destruction. The list of affected locations includes the homes and barns of various families, impacting the landscape from C.E. Pine’s ranch to the Shaw Mine, affecting ranches owned by Cantrell Brothers, Stark Bros., and Seymour Hill, among others.
Amidst the devastation, a few dwellings, including those of Mrs. Servilla C. Shinn, M.J. Williams, Fred Schanee, W.J. Moore, Wm. Barbee, Thos. H. Davidson, Paul J. Schafer, Harvey White, and Ralph Sutton, were spared by the flames. The schoolhouse, Hotel Hill, El Dorado Garage, and S.P. Depot also escaped the ravages of the fire.
The El Dorado Fire of 1923 stands as a poignant chapter in the town’s history, marking not only a catastrophic event but also showcasing the resilience of a community that refused to be entirely consumed by the flames. As the survivors faced the daunting task of rebuilding, the ashes of El Dorado bore witness to both loss and the unyielding spirit of recovery.
Image: Hill Hotel.
Location: “On the corner of Pleasant Valley rd and Oriental Street. It used to be called the Oriental Hotel and than later called the Hill Hotel.” –George Turnboo
![Grizzly Flat [ca. 1851-1852]](https://www.inedc.com/23/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GrizzlyFlats-1851-1852-350x250.webp)
