Napa’s History and Why We’re Proud to Serve the Napa Community
The Town of Napa was founded in 1847 by entrepreneur Nathan Coombs on Rancho Entre Napa, part of the Mexican land grant system. Early settlers raised cattle and grew grain and fruit.
Napa County soon became known for viticulture: John Patchett opened the county’s first commercial winery in 1859, and Charles Krug founded his winery in 1861. At the same time, silver and quicksilver mining boomed in the surrounding hills, while hot springs and resorts attracted visitors.
During World War II, the Basalt Rock Company built salvage tugs for the U.S. Navy, and German prisoners of war worked on local farms. After the war the region focused on wine and tourism; by the early 1900s more than 500,000 fruit and nut trees had been planted.
Today Napa County is world‑famous for its wineries and picturesque vineyards. Although the region has endured challenges such as a 2014 magnitude‑6.0 earthquake and destructive wildfires, it remains a premier destination for wine lovers and travelers. We’re proud to serve the people of Napa.