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 link to plaque | OLD BALE MILL Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map This historic gristmill was erected by Dr. E. T. Bale, grantee of Carne Humana Rancho, in 1846. The mill, with surrounding land, was deeded to the Native Sons of the Golden West by Mrs. W. W. Lyman, and was restored through the efforts of the Native Son Parlors of Napa County. Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, Hwy 29 (P.M. 32.1), 3369 N St. Helena Hwy, 3 mi NW of St. Helena USGS Quadrangle Sheet Name: CALISTOGA Note: I could not find a traditional plaque. There is a plaque for Dr. Bale in the parking lot, and a plaque for the mill halfway along the path to the actual mill. There is a small admission charge. Check for hours of operation, and definitely check if there will be milling when you are there. I got to help raise and lower the gears. Additional info: Bale Grist Mill SHP | |
 link to plaque | CHARLES KRUG WINERY Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map Founded in 1861 by Charles Krug (1825-1892), this is the oldest operating winery in Napa Valley. The pioneer winemaker of this world-famous region, Krug made the first commercial wine in Napa County at Napa in 1858. Krug Ranch, 2800 Main St, St. Helena Note: An active winery, if you like wine tasting. As of March 2008, the historic building was being renovated. The plaque is on one of the walls, but the entire area is fenced off. Additional info: Charles Krug Winery | |
 link to plaque | GEORGE YOUNT BLOCKHOUSE Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map In this vicinity stood the log block-house constructed in 1836 by George Calvert Yount, pioneer settler in Napa County. Nearby was his adobe house, built in 1837, and across the bridge were his grist and saw mills, erected before 1845. Born in North Carolina in 1794, Yount was a trapper, rancher, and miller, he became grantee of the Rancho Caymus and La Jota. He died at Yountville in 1865. NE corner of Cook Rd and Yount Mill Rd, 1 mi N of Yountville Note: Just a plaque with no site, unless you count the picturesque bridge and creek. Additional info: | |
 link to plaque | GRAVE OF GEORGE C. YOUNT Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map George Calvert Yount (1794-1865) was the first United States citizen to be ceded a Spanish land grant in Napa Valley (1836). Skilled hunter, frontiersman, craftsman, and farmer, he was the true embodiment of all the finest qualities of an advancing civilization blending with the existing primitive culture. Friend to all, this kindly host of Caymus Rancho encouraged sturdy American pioneers to establish ranches in this area, so it was well populated before the gold rush. George C. Yount Pioneer Cemetery, Lincoln and Jackson Sts, Yountville Note: The cemetery also contains actual Ancient Indian Burial Grounds. Haunting! Additional info: Town Of Yountville | |
 link to plaque | BERINGER BROTHERS WINERY Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map Built by Frederick and Jacob Beringer, natives of Mainz, Germany, this winery has the unique distinction of never having ceased operations since its founding in 1876. Here, in the European tradition, were dug underground wine tunnels hundreds of feet in length. These maintain a constant temperature of 58 degrees, a factor considered necessary in the maturing and aging of fine wines. 2000 Main St, St. Helena Note: A large, active winery. There are tours for a fee, but wandering around the grounds is free. The plaque is on the main building, near the center door. Additional info: Beringer Winery | |
 link to plaque | VETERANS HOME OF CALIFORNIA Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map This home for California's aged and disabled veterans was established in 1884 by Mexican War veterans and members of the Grand Army of the Republic. In January 1897 the Veterans Home Association deeded the home and its 910 acres of land to the State, which has since maintained it. SW corner of California Dr and Hwy 29, Yountville Note: This is a huge facility still in operation. Feel free to wander around. The plaque is under the sign at the main entrance. Additional info: The Veterans Home of California, Yountville | |
 link to plaque | FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BUILDING Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map Designed by pioneer architects R. H. Daley and Theodore Eisen, this church is an outstanding example of late Victorian Gothic architectural styling. It is the best surviving example in this region of the early works associated with Eisen, who later became an important Southern California architect. The church has been in continuous use since its construction in 1874, longest pastorates were those of Richard Wylie and Erwin Bollinger. 1333-3rd St between Randolph and Franklin Sts, Napa Note: Plaque outside of church on north side. Additional info: First Presbyterian Church of Napa, CA |