Napa in Napa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Napa Courthouse Flag Staff
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 21, 2009
1. Napa Courthouse Flag Staff Marker
Dedicated April 13, 1985
By the Native Sons of the Golden West
William Bundesen, Grand President
Erected 1985 by Native Sons of the Golden West.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 13, 1985.
Location. 38° 17.877′ N, 122° 17.136′ W. Marker is in Napa, California, in Napa County. It can be reached from the intersection of Brown Street and 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 825 Brown Street, Napa CA 94559, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, in Wine Country, and on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Napa County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Communal Mortar Rock (within shouting distance of this marker); Fremont's Crossing (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oberon Saloon (about 300 feet away); Napa County Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial
this page online
More about this marker. The marker is on a low rock set near the flag pole on the courthouse lawn.
Also see . . . Courthouse "Liberty Pole". The Napa Valley Register's article (1/21/2007) on the history of the flagpole, by Kathleen Dreesen. (Submitted on February 23, 2009.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 21, 2009
2. Napa Courthouse Flag Staff
Completed in Frebruary 1893, the Napa Valley Register (2/24/1893) described the dedication: "At precisely 12 minutes past 10 o'clock Wednesday, Supervisor Deweese raised the flag to the top of the new staff recently erected in Court House square. The proceeding was introduced by music from Prof. Simonds' College Band and witnessed by about 300 people. As the flag was hoisted, the band played 'The Star Spangled Banner' and the crowd cheered."
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 21, 2009
3. Napa Courthouse Flag Staff
There is some similarity to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, which was built 3 years prior to the flag pole in Napa. However, this may be a case of form following function rather than deliberate imitation, inasmuch as contemporary documents do not mention the Eiffel Tower.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 21, 2009
4. Napa Courthouse Flag Staff - From the Base Looking Up
Built in less than 70 days by the Bay City Iron Works for $575.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 21, 2009
5. Napa Courthouse Flag Staff - Interior Looking Straight Up
Photographed by Denise Boose, September 18, 2025
6. Napa Courthouse Flag Staff Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,317 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 23, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 6. submitted on October 18, 2025, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
