Calistoga in Napa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Welcome to the Calistoga Depot
Photographed by Denise Boose, September 17, 2025
1. A Revived Spirit Marker - Panel One
A Revived Spirit
The Calistoga Depot building is the historical heart of the town - it was built by Sam Brannan in 1868 to welcome visitors to Calistoga’s unique splendors. As the second oldest train depot in California and the culmination of this historical Napa Valley rail line, it occupies a special place in town lore. The Depot’s history is teeming with provocative characters and their bold adventures, all of which are celebrated today with a revived spirit.
Today, Calistoga Depot is a welcoming center for discovering Calistoga’s rich history and the pioneering spirit of Sam Brennan, and for celebrating the virtues Napa Valley offers. The spirit of the Depot, imbued with Sam’s founding vision, has been revived by Jean-Charles Bolsset, who has preserved this unique landmark to honor the Calistoga community and its founder’s legacy.
Experience the historic Calistoga Depot
Sam Brannan distilled near this site in the late 1800s. Inspired by his vision, we offer tastings of locally-distilled spirits and craft cocktails in the great hall of the Depot.
Beginnings The “Wappo,” more correctly the Ashochimi nation, were the first to settle Calistoga’s hot springs basin.
1846 Sam Brannan arrives in San Francisco
1848 In San Francisco, Sam shouts “Gold! Gold! Gold from the American River!”
1850 Brennan becomes California’s first millionaire
1852 Brannan discovers Hot Springs Township
1858 Sam Brennan Meets the witty, charming and beautiful Lola Montez
1860 The first building at Brannan’s Hot Springs Resort is completed; the entire resort opens in 1862
1862 How Calistoga got its name The Saratoga of California
1866 The California Cognac Distillery constructed
1868 Napa Valley Railroad completed to Calistoga
1868 Sam Brennan is shot five times and survives
1870 Sam Brannan gets divorced and loses
this page online
1887 Sam Brannan returns to Calistoga and is the talk of the town
1920 Calistoga, famed for its hot springs geysers, also earns acclaim for sparkling mineral water
1935 Napa County Fair finds a home in Calistoga
1959 Calistoga Depot registered as a California historic landmark
1960 Spirit Car Races at the Calistoga Speedway
2022 Depot is revived by Jean-Charles Bolsset
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 38° 34.789′ N, 122° 34.697′ W. Marker is in Calistoga, California, in Napa County. It is on Lincoln Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1458 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga CA 94515, 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
Photographed by Denise Boose, September 17, 2025
2. Experience the historic Calistoga Depot - Panel Two
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Calistoga Depot (here, next to this marker); Mount View Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Calistoga City Hall (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sam Brannan Cottage (about 700 feet away); Calistoga Sam Brannan Center (about 800 feet away); Sam Brannan Store (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of John York’s Cabin (approx. 0.3 miles away); Oat Hill Mine Road (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Calistoga.
Photographed by Denise Boose, September 17, 2025
3. Beginnings - Calistoga - Panel Three
Photographed by Denise Boose, September 17, 2025
4. Welcome to the Calistoga Depot Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, September 17, 2025
5. Welcome to the Calistoga Depot Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, September 17, 2025
6. The Calistoga Depot
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2025, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 47 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 18, 2025, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
