Blue Wing Inn

Built around 1837 following the secularization of Mission San Francisco Solano, the single story adobe was originally a home for the ex-majordomo of the mission. It subsequently became a saloon and billiard parlor, and then the first hostel in Sonoma. Known as the Sonoma House, it is believed that this structure was the first hotel north of San Francisco. In 1849 a second story was built on the hotel and shortly thereafter it became known as the Blue Wing Inn. A favorite destination for gold miners, the hotel was visited by the likes of John C. Fremont, General Ulysses S. Grant, Kit Carson, Pio Pico, and William Tecumseh Sherman whose names can still be seen in the guest register. The Blue Wing Inn was subsequently transformed into a saloon, grocery store, and wine storehouse, and it changed hands several times until it was purchased by the California State Parks in 1968. Today the site is recognized as California Historical Landmark #17.