Rancho Caymus facts for kids

Rancho Caymus was a huge piece of land, about 11,887 acres (48 square kilometers), in what is now Napa County, California. It was a special gift of land, called a Mexican land grant, given in 1836. The acting Governor, Nicolás Gutiérrez, gave it to George C. Yount. The name "Caymus" came from a group of Native Americans called the Mishewal-Wappo Indians. This land was in the beautiful Napa Valley. Today, it includes towns like Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford, which are famous for their wine.

The Story of Rancho Caymus

How George Yount Got the Land

In 1836, George C. Yount received Rancho Caymus. He got this large land grant thanks to the help of Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. George Yount became the first European-American person to settle permanently in the Napa Valley. A few years later, in 1843, he also received another land grant. This one was called Rancho La Jota, located on Howell Mountain, just north of Rancho Caymus.

California Becomes Part of the U.S.

After the Mexican-American War, California became part of the United States. This happened in 1848 with a special agreement called the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty promised that the land grants given by Mexico would still be valid. So, in 1852, a claim for Rancho Caymus was officially filed. This was required by a law called the Land Act of 1851. Finally, in 1863, the ownership of Rancho Caymus was officially confirmed for George C. Yount.

The Town of Yountville

In 1855, a town was planned on the Rancho Caymus land. It was first named Sebastopol. However, there was already another town named Sebastopol nearby in Sonoma County. So, in 1867, after George Yount passed away, the town was renamed Yountville in his honor.

What Happened After George Yount's Death

George Yount died in 1865. After his death, the courts helped sell off parts of his remaining property. A judge named Serranus Hastings bought a big section of the original Rancho Caymus. Later, Judge Hastings sold some of his land to Captain Gustave Niebaum and California State Senator Seneca Ewer.

Important Places on the Rancho

George Yount's Buildings

In 1836, George C. Yount built a strong blockhouse. This was a type of small fort for protection. The next year, in 1837, he built his adobe home. Adobe is a building material made from earth and organic materials.

George C. Yount's Grave

George Calvert Yount (1794–1865) was a very skilled person. He was a hunter, a frontiersman, a craftsman, and a farmer. He was also the first person to receive a Mexican land grant in the Napa Valley. His grave is located on the land that was once part of his rancho.