Lachryma Montis, Sonoma

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Background

About a mile west of the Town Plaza lies General Vallejo's home. The native Indians called the area of his home "Chiucuyem (crying mountain) however Vallejo took the name from the latin "Lachryma Montis," (crying tear).

A home was built on the land Vallejo bought in 1851-1852. It was a grand property then consisting of a free flowing spring and fertile land. He proceeded to plant grapevines and a wide assortment of fruit trees. The estate also included a large barn and working homes for the staff that tended to the estate. He and his wife lived in the house for over 35 years.

In 1933 the Vallejo home and some 20 acres of the original Lachryma Montis lands were acquired by the State in order to protect and preserve this historic site and its collection of
historic artifacts and documents.

Today the grounds of the Vallejo home remain well kept up and a joy to visit. While visitors can stroll the grounds for free there is a $ 3 entrance fee to view the inside of the home and adjacent buildings.

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General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo was the Mexican governor of Alta California when the Bear Flag Revolt broke out in 1846. The rebels proclaimed California to be an independent republic.. It was short-lived. Soon, California was part of the US.

General Vallejo built this home near Sonoma in 1851, and lived here for the next 35 years. It's named Lachryma Montis, which means "The Tears that Fall from the Mountain". He grew a variety of fruits and vegetables here, and stored his goods in a large warehouse that still stands. It was built of timbers imported from Europe. Also on the property is a small, spring-fed pool with ducks and turtles.

This is now a state historic park, open to the public. Inside the home is a small museum, which was unfortunately closed on the occasion of my visit.