Historical Markers in
Napa County, California

A. Hatt Buildings 1884 & 1886 Ars Longa Vita Brevis Bale Grist Mill Banner Warehouse 1862 "Barrel of Fun" Battle of Seven Pines Memorial Beringer Brothers Winery Cal 100 Calistoga City Hall Calistoga Depot Calistoga Sam Brannan Center Casa Las Trancas Cayetano Juarez Adobe –Circa 1845 Cesare Mondavi 1883 – 1959 Chalet Bernensis Charles Krug 1825 - 1892 Charles Krug Winery Cutting's Wharf Dave Cavagnaro Circus Plaza Dr. Edward Turner Bale Embarcadero de Napa Eshcol/Trefethen Winery First Presbyterian Church Building Flags over California in 1870 Fremont's Crossing George Yount's Millstones Good Indian Go Big Hill Grave of George C. Yount Groezinger Winery Hatt Building 1886 Hatt Building 1893 Hay Barn 1959 Historic Aetna Mining District Hudson House James Clyman--Trapper and Explorer John Moyer Patchett Johnson-Doran Building Larkmead Winery / Kornell Cellars Lieutenant William W. Murphy Lisbon Winery 1882 Litto’s Hubcap Ranch Map of Groezinger's Addition Mount View Hotel Mural #2 - Napa Early in the 20th Century Napa - Birthplace of the Loudspeaker and the Magnavox Corp. Napa County Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial Napa Courthouse Flag Staff Napa P.O.W. Camp Napa State Hospital Napa Valley Railroad Napa's China Town / Shuck Chan Napa: A River Landing Town Native Sons Hall Nichelini Vineyard NSGW & Historic District Oat Hill Mine Road Oberon Saloon Old Faithful Steam Well Old Napa Register Building, 1905 Pfeiffer Building Pioneer Cemetery Pope Valley Garage Pope Valley Pioneer Cemetery Pope Valley Store Reason P. Tucker "Retro Woman" Richie Block Robert Louis Stevenson Robert Louis Stevenson Cabin Site Schramsberg Semorile Building Silo Building 1932 Site of Yount’s Blockhouse Sophie Alstrom Mitchell Soscol House - 1855 Stonebridge The Christian Brothers Mt. La Salle Vineyards The Henry Haus Blacksmith and Wagonmaker Shop The Napa River The Pioneer Christian Church Bell The White Church Veterans Home of California Veterans Home of California Whiskey Crossing White Sulphur Springs Winship Building 1888 Yountville Yountville Community Hall Yountville's First Fire House
The first female mayor in the U.S. was elected in California in 1887. Susanna M. Salter was elected mayor of Argonia, Kansas, but she was born in California and later moved to Kansas with her husband.
California random facts
Napa County, located in the heart of California's renowned wine region, has a rich history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the indigenous Wappo people, who peacefully coexisted with nature and relied on the region's abundant resources for their livelihoods. However, in the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive, marking a significant shift in the county's landscape.

In 1838, George C. Yount, a pioneer from Ohio, was the first to receive a land grant in what is now Napa County. Yount recognized the potential of the region's fertile soil and mild climate for viticulture, planting the county's first vineyards. Yountville, a small town named in recognition of his efforts, remains a charming center for wine tourism to this day.

Napa County experienced a boom in the mid-19th century when gold miners, known as "Forty-Niners," flocked to the area during the California Gold Rush. While some found success in mining, others turned to agriculture and established vineyards and wineries. However, the county faced significant challenges during this time, with fires, floods, and economic downturns threatening its growth.

It was not until the late 20th century that Napa County truly cemented its reputation as a world-class wine region. In the 1960s and 1970s, a new generation of winemakers, many of whom were immigrants from Europe, began producing high-quality wines that garnered international recognition. The famous "Judgment of Paris" wine tasting in 1976, where Napa Valley wines outshined French wines, further solidified the region's status. Since then, Napa County has become synonymous with fine wines and has attracted wine enthusiasts from around the globe.

Today, Napa County continues to thrive as a premier wine destination, boasting over 400 wineries and vineyards. It has also diversified its economy, attracting tourists with its picturesque landscapes, gourmet dining, and luxurious resorts. Despite the challenges faced over the years, Napa County's rich history and commitment to winemaking have allowed it to establish itself as a world-renowned wine region, capturing the hearts of wine lovers and leaving a lasting legacy.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Napa County, California.

  • 1839: Napa County is established from parts of Solano County.
  • 1850: Napa becomes one of the 27 original counties of California.
  • 1860: The first commercial winery, Charles Krug Winery, is founded.
  • 1872: The Napa County Courthouse is built, becoming a local landmark.
  • 1883: The first railroad line in Napa County is completed.
  • 1908: The Napa State Hospital is established, providing mental health services.
  • 1936: The Golden Gate Bridge opens, connecting Napa County to San Francisco.
  • 1950s: The wine industry in Napa County starts to gain international recognition.
  • 1967: The Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve is established to protect agricultural land.
  • 1976: The Judgment of Paris wine competition boosts Napa Valley's reputation.
  • 1990s: The number of wineries in Napa County continues to grow rapidly.
  • 2014: The Napa earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.0, causes significant damage.