A Northern California city once known for its grim Gold Rush-era hangings is now in the running to be crowned one of the merriest Christmas towns in America by the Hallmark Channel.

Placerville, located in El Dorado County, was founded in 1848 and was originally known as Dry Diggins before earning the unfortunate name “Hangtown.”

During the Gold Rush, the discovery of gold in nearby rivers and mountains brought a surge of newcomers to the area. Several frontier justice hangings during that period ultimately gave the community its notorious nickname, which it carried until 1854.

Today, it is home to roughly 10,300 people and is known for…

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