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.
Whiskey Crossing. . 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.
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.
Location. 38° 30.277′ N, 122° 21.21′ W. Marker is near St. Helena, California, in Napa County. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are
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 657 times since then and 19 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.
