Near St. Helena in Napa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Whiskey Crossing

Photographed by Loren Wilson, May 24, 2008

1. Whiskey Crossing Marker

Inscription. One and one half miles north of here, at the second crossing of Chiles Creek, is the spot known as “Whiskey Crossing”. Although shrouded in folklore, the origin of the name is based upon a probable incident that took place in the early days of Napa County. A man returning from Joseph B. Chiles’ Rancho Catacula, with a cask of whiskey, was fording the creek when the cask toppled from his wagon and burst apart in the creek. Another tale asserts that teamsters from Knoxville to Napa, would break open or perhaps finish a bottle here, about the half way point in the journey.

Erected 1988 by Sam Brannan Chapter No. 1004, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.

Location. 38° 30.277′ N, 122° 21.21′ W. Marker is near St. Helena, California, in Napa County. It is on Chiles-Pope Valley Road, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located 1.1 miles from the triangular intersection of Chiles-Pope Valley Road, and Sage Canyon Road, at the upper end of Lake Hennessey. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Helena CA 94574, 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Nichelini Vineyard (approx. 3.2 miles away); Napa P.O.W. Camp (approx. 4.6 miles away); Chalet Bernensis (approx. 5½ miles away); Stonebridge (approx. 5½ miles away); Site of Yount’s Blockhouse (approx. 5.8 miles away); NSGW & Historic District (approx. 6.2 miles away); Richie Block (approx. 6.3 miles away); Robert Louis Stevenson (approx. 6.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Helena.

Additional commentary.
1. Additional Information Regarding the Marker Dedication
Lew Allen was Noble Grand Humbug when this palque was dedicated. Plaque wording by loren A. Wilson.

— Submitted April 17, 2012, by Loren Wilson of Sebastopol, California.

Photographed by Loren Wilson, May 24, 2008

2. Whiskey Crossing Marker

Photographed by Loren Wilson, May 24, 2008

3. Whiskey Crossing Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2012, by Loren Wilson of Sebastopol, California. This page has been viewed 818 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 17, 2012, by Loren Wilson of Sebastopol, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.