Rancho Yajome facts for kids
Rancho Yajome was a large piece of land, about 6,654-acre (26.93 km2), located in what is now Napa County, California. It was given out as a Mexican land grant in 1841 by Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado. The land was meant for a soldier named Damaso Rodríguez, but he never actually lived on it. This rancho was situated east of the Napa River and north of the city of Napa.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Rancho Yajome
This section explores the interesting story of Rancho Yajome, from its first owner to how it became part of the United States.
The First Grant: Damaso Rodríguez
The land for Rancho Yajome was first given to Damaso Antonio Rodríguez in 1841. He was a soldier who served in different parts of California. For example, he was a corporal in Monterey and later moved to Santa Barbara. He also served as an "alferez" (a type of officer) in San Francisco.
Even though he was officially considered an "invalido" (meaning he was retired or unable to serve actively), he still worked for General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo in Sonoma starting in 1837. Damaso Rodríguez was involved in the Battle of Olómpali in 1846, which was a fight during a time of change in California. He passed away not long after this battle.
New Ownership: Salvador Vallejo
Since Damaso Rodríguez never lived on the land, Salvador Vallejo, who was General Vallejo's brother, asked for the property.
After the Mexican–American War ended, California became part of the United States. This change happened with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. This treaty promised that the land grants given by Mexico would still be valid.
So, in 1852, a claim for Rancho Yajome was officially filed with the Public Land Commission. This commission was set up to check and approve these old land grants. In 1864, the grant was finally approved and officially given to Salvador Vallejo.
Modern Times: Silverado Country Club
Later, a part of Rancho Yajome became home to the Silverado Resort and Spa. This area covers about 1,200 acres (4.9 km2) of the original rancho. This land was bought by General John Franklin Miller in different purchases between 1869 and 1881.
