Yountville in Napa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Good Indian Go Big Hill
Bad Indian Go Bad Place
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 21, 2009
1. Good Indian Go Big Hill Marker
In the background are the perhaps appropriately named Ghost Block Vineyards, with mustard in bloom.
Interred in this spot are the ashes of the Wappo village Kaymus (Caymus) Indian Tribe, who in the American Period were known as the George C. Yount Indians. This tribe cremated their dead and all their articles, usually on a pyre or in a sweat house. A portion of the carefully preserved ashes were mixed with pitch and daubed on the faces and bodies of the mourners.
Erected by the Yountville Cemetery Association Donated by Glenn Browne September 2, 2000
Erected 2000 by Yountville Cemetery Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 38° 24.56′ N, 122° 22.084′ W. Marker was in Yountville, California, in Napa County. Marker could be reached from Jackson Street near Lincoln Avenue. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Yountville CA 94599, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Grave of George C. Yount (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Pioneer Christian Church Bell
this page online
More about this marker. The marker is located in the "back" or northern side of the cemetery. From the cemetery entrance gate, go straight across the the cemetery (downslope) and then right along the service road.
Photographed By Susan Yount Davis, 1987
2. Good Indian Go Big Hill Marker
Photo taken 25 years ago before the extreme damage and defacing.
Photographed By Diane Phillips
3. Good Indian Go Big Hill Marker
Updated photo shows no older markers are still present.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 21, 2009
4. Good Indian Go Big Hill Marker - Older Version
Only a few feet to the right and behind the stone version is a wooden version of the marker. Heavily weathered, it is presumably older, and identical in wording with the exception of a lack of date and attribution, as well as, perhaps more importantly, what appears to be the studied defacement or removal of the "George C. Yount" part of the moniker attached to the Indians.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 21, 2009
5. George C. Yount Pioneer Cemetery and Ancient Indian Burial Grounds Sign
The marker is located in the George C. Yount Pioneer Cemetery and Ancient Indian Burial Grounds, established 1848.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,161 times since then and 103 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 2, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2. submitted on October 8, 2012, by Susan Yount Davis of Cary, North Carolina. 3. submitted on December 22, 2020, by Diane Phillips of Pittsburg, California. 4, 5. submitted on March 2, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
