John Pearson Soda Works

The John Pearson Soda Works is an industrial brick structure in Placerville featuring thick stone walls and an underground system of passages. The building connects multiple levels and preserves original construction details from its manufacturing era.

Scottish immigrant John McFarland Pearson built the lower section in 1859 following a fire that destroyed an earlier structure in downtown Placerville. The building became part of the town's industrial growth during the mining era.

The structure reflects how beverage makers operated during the Gold Rush era, using ice storage techniques that later evolved into bottling operations. Visitors can see how the space was adapted over time to meet changing production needs.

The structure sits along Main Street and is easily accessible on foot from downtown Placerville. A visit offers close observation of original construction techniques and industrial layouts from the 1800s.

A water-powered elevator installed in 1897 once transported products between the building's floors during active production. This mechanical system represents an early example of automation in beverage manufacturing.

Location: Placerville

Inception: 1859

Address: 594 Main Street

GPS coordinates: 38.72861,-120.79667

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:05