Historic Interest Sites

Historic Sites in the City of Napa

The City of Napa is home to a bounty of beautiful Victorian-era homes and commercial buildings. Along our streets can be found places where history was made.

In many ways, Napa's historical sites reflect the history of California itself. The Bear Flag revolt that led to the state becoming part of the U.S began just a few miles to the north in 1846. The City was laid out by Nathan Coombs in 1848, and grew tremendously through the gold rush of 1849 and the later silver and mercury mining heydays.

Today you can walk the same streets where 49ers, Chinese laborers, lumber barons and early wine making pioneers began building the City of Napa more than 150 years ago, and you will find many treasured historic structures still in use.

Holden MansionHolden Mansion

On the northwest corner of Pine and Franklin Streets; built in 1886.

Sawyer Tannery

Located at 101 South Coombs Street; founded in 1869; birthplace of "Nappa leather," a name that was copied by many other non-Napa leather makers. Sawyer would grow to be the largest tannery west of the Mississippi.

Peter Jensen & Edwin Pridham's Workshop

In 1915, Jensen and Pridham invented the loudspeaker in their workshop in Napa. They would go on to found Magnavox.

Patchett Street

Birthplace of one of Napa Valley's great wine names and perhaps the first commercial wine making in the Valley.

Sam Kee Laundry

On the southwest corner of Main and Clinton Streets (1245 Main) stands this graceful stone structure near Napa's former Chinatown; now home to the Vintner's Collective. (Damaged in the 2014 earthquake.)

Napa Valley Opera House

This historic treasure was built in 1879 and is located at 1030 Main Street. See more Opera House History on the Napa Valley Opera House website.

County Courthouse

Built in 1879, located at:

825 Brown Street
Napa, CA94559

Between Third and Second Streets. (Damaged in the 2014 earthquake.)

First Presbyterian Church, Third & Randolph

  • Built in 1874

Historic Napa Mill, Fifth & Main Streets

Built in 1884

Goodman Library

Located at:

1219 First Street
Napa, CA 94559

Built in 1901; the oldest library building in California still being used as a library. Home to the Napa County Historical Society. (Damaged in the 2014 earthquake.)

Noyes Mansion, First & Jefferson

Built in 1903 as a Noyes family home, now home to the local offices of the Wine Spectator. Located at:

1750 First Street
Napa, CA 94559

Lisbon Winery

1720 Brown Street
Napa, CA 94559

Now home to the Jarvis Conservatory

Kaiser Steel Site

Most recently Napa Pipe, a critical supply of ocean-going vessels were built here during WW2.