Kelsey (formerly, Kelsey's Diggings) is an unincorporated community in El Dorado County, California. It is located north of Chili Bar, at an elevation of 1923 feet (586 m). A post office operated at Kelsey from 1856 to 1872, from 1875 to 1903, with several moves, and from 1920. The name honors Benjamin Kelsey, who came to California in 1841 and discovered gold at the site in 1848. The town was first known as Kelsey's Diggings because of the mining there. Education The Black Oak Mine Unified School District serves Garden Valley. Climate The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Csa"(Mediterranean Climate). References Unincorporated communities in El Dorado County, California Populated places in the Sierra Nevada (United States) Populated places established in 1848 1848 establishments in California Unincorporated communities in California