Rescue has a unique history and a rich cultural background. The town is an unincorporated community. It is a settlement that is not governed by a local municipal corporation but is part of a larger administrative division.

In its infancy, the land was inhabited by Native Americans who were a part of the Maidu Tribe. The Native American camps were spread throughout the region – the largest found at the foot of Pine Hill. The general rule for these camps were often situated on high ground for greater visibility near good springs.

Before the first traces of gold were ever discovered at Coloma, settlers began arriving in the area that would become Rescue. Historical records from the Rescue Historical Society state that when Martin Ebbert came to the Deer Valley section in 1847, the American flag had already been hoisted upon Pine Hill.

The actual town was established in 1895. The story that accompanies the name “Rescue” belongs to Andrew Hare. He stated that the town “rescued” him from poverty because of mining.

Not only was the area known for prosperous mining, but it was also a stop on the Pony Express trail between Placerville and Folsom.