WHEN
Year discovered/founded and incorporated:
1854 and was incorporated in 1876.
WHERE
Where in California is it located?
St. Helena is a city in Napa County, in California's Wine Country, part of the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Who were the original tribal land inhabitants on which it was built?
The St. Helena area was home to the Wappo people, a Yukian-speaking group who were the area’s earliest inhabitants.
WHO
Who were the historical people that discovered/established this city and where were they from?
Dr. Edward Turner Bale was a British surgeon who was appointed to General Vallejo’s California forces. When he married Maria Ygnacia Soberanes, a niece of Vallejo’s, he converted to Catholicism and became a Mexican citizen. This allowed him to receive a Mexican land grant in Napa Valley of 17, 962 acres. Bale and his wife moved to their home on Whitehall Lane in 1843 and their family grew to six children. After Dr. Bale died in 1849, his family began selling portions of their vast holdings. One such sale was recorded in 1854 when Henry Still and Charles Walters bought 126 acres from Señora Bale. Lots on the property, which lay on the west side of the county road from Sulphur Creek to the future Madrona Avenue, were given to anyone who would start a business. Those are the beginning of St. Helena.
HOW
How did the city come together?
It is believed that the first men to settle within the present town limits of St. Helena were David Hudson and John York. They came here from the state of Missouri in 1848, bought land from Doctor Bale, built their homes near each other, and engaged in farming and stock raising. In the year 1853 J. H. Still, of English nativity, purchased a tract of land within the town limits and erected a building in which he put a small stock of merchandise. A road was laid out to his store shortly after and here the start of the town was made
How did the city of St. Helena change the shape and impact the State of California?
St. Helena, a charming town is home to the Spring Mountain wine growing district. Here is where many of St. Helena’s best wineries offer a collection of wines and wine tasting experiences. St. Helena also offers sophisticated country living at its best, a vibrant arts scene, boutiques, highly acclaimed restaurants, luxury spas, and outdoor adventures. There are always exciting things to do in St. Helena. Gourmands enjoy award-winning cuisine and plenty of events featuring world class food or you can stay active with hiking, biking, tennis, golf, and swimming. For those interested in rest and relaxation, there are plenty of spas and wellness centers to rejuvenate the spirit. It’s also home to friendly neighbors, safe streets, and well-ranked schools.
Whether you are interested in architecture, antiques, church history, or just want to see how some people lived 100 years ago, you are welcome to enjoy the peaceful environment of Elmshaven, just north of downtown St. Helena. Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, purchased the home in 1900 and lived here until her death in 1915. It is a must-see tourist attraction for every Seventh Day Adventist as well as non-SDA.
WHAT
What did I see on my travels to this city?
In St. Helena we went to a place called Elmshaven where we saw Prophet Ellen White's house. She lived in it from 1900 to 1915 until she passed away. On the drive we saw lots of vineyards. It was so beautiful, and I thought it would never end.
What are some Historical landmarks located in this city?
Elmshaven, Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, Wineries
What are some of the fun facts about this city?
-
Elmshaven is a historic house museum at 125 Glass Mountain Lane in St. Helena, California, also known as Ellen White House.
-
Freemark Abbey is the historic winery built in 1886 by Josephine Tychson, the first female winemaker in Napa Valley.
Sources
City of St. Helena. (Accessed May 2020). St. Helena Historical Society). Retrieved from https://www.cityofsthelena.org/community/page/st-helena-historical-society
Hunt, M. (Accessed May 2020). History of St. Helena. Retrieved from http://history.rays-place.com/ca/napa-st-helena.htm
Adventist Heritage Ministries. (Accessed May 2020). Elmshaven, USA. Retrieved from https://www.adventistheritage.org/index.php/ahm-sites/elmshaven-usa
