Vallejo Home and Garden Sonoma State Historic Park

A mile northwest of Sonoma Plaza is the estate of General Mariano Vallejo, the commander of the northern Mexican frontier, founder of the Pueblo of Sonoma, and a member of the first Constitutional Convention of California. This two-story Gothic Revival house, built in 1851, is a favorite for weddings and social gatherings in the landscaped garden or around the swan fountain. Known as 'Lachryma Montis' (Tears of the Mountain), the home was named for the springs that now are the source of Sonoma's water supply. General Vallejo and his wife lived at Lachryma Montis for more than 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 buildings and grounds are carefully maintained, and the house itself is furnished throughout with many of Vallejo's personal effects and is open for public viewing.