Background

General Vallejo's Home: A Window into California's Past

Explore the meticulously preserved 1852 estate of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, a pivotal figure in California's history, at Sonoma's Lachryma Montis.

4.7

Step back in time at General Vallejo's Home, also known as Lachryma Montis, the meticulously preserved 1852 estate of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, founder of Sonoma. Explore the Victorian Carpenter Gothic house filled with family heirlooms, wander through the enchanting gardens, and discover the stories of a pivotal figure in California's history. Open daily, it's a captivating glimpse into 19th-century California life.

A brief summary to General Vallejo's Home

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays for a more personalized experience and to avoid weekend crowds.
  • Take a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the home and General Vallejo's life.
  • Check the calendar for special events or historical reenactments that may enhance your visit.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in Sonoma State Historic Park for a comprehensive historical experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Sonoma Plaza, head west on Spain Street. Turn right onto 3rd Street West and walk a short distance to the entrance of General Vallejo's Home. The walk is approximately 0.5 miles and should take about 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Sonoma County Transit Route 32, the Sonoma Shuttle, provides local service in Sonoma and serves the Plaza in downtown Sonoma. Check the Sonoma County Transit website for the most up-to-date schedule and route information. The Sonoma Shuttle is fare-free.

  • Driving

    From Sonoma Plaza, head west on Spain Street. Turn right onto 3rd Street West. The entrance to General Vallejo's Home will be on your right. Parking is available at the park. Parking is free.

Unlock the Best of General Vallejo's Home

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about General Vallejo's Home

General Vallejo's Home, also known as Lachryma Montis (Latin for “mountain tear”), offers a captivating journey into the life of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, a central figure in California's transition from Mexican territory to a U.S. state. Located less than a mile west of Sonoma Plaza, the estate provides a window into 19th-century California life through its architecture, furnishings, and tranquil grounds. In 1850, Vallejo purchased acreage at the foot of the Sonoma hills, land that included a spring called Chiucuyem by the Native Americans. Vallejo built his retirement home here, completing the two-story main house in 1852 in the Victorian Carpenter Gothic style. The house features a large gothic window in the master bedroom, twin porches, dormer windows, and carved wooden trim. Bricks were placed inside the walls to regulate temperature, and each room had a white marble fireplace. Crystal chandeliers, lace curtains, and a rosewood concert-grand piano were imported from Europe. The grounds include a cookhouse, a warehouse (later converted to the Swiss Chalet museum), and El Delirio, a garden pavilion where Vallejo wrote his five-volume history of California. The property also features a spring-fed reservoir inhabited by turtles and surrounded by lush vegetation. Today, the buildings and grounds are carefully maintained, furnished with many of Vallejo's personal effects. Visitors can explore the home, museum, and grounds, stepping back in time to experience the ambiance of Vallejo's era.

Popular Experiences near General Vallejo's Home

Popular Hotels near General Vallejo's Home

Select Currency