History:
Santa Rosa's history is rich in culture and many different groups have called the area their home. Pomo, Miwok, and Wappo Indians originally populated the area followed by the Spanish in the early 1800's. The first deeded land was held as the Rancho Cabeza de Santa Rosa and was given to Senora Maria Ignacia Lopez de Carrillo by Spanish authorities.
Senora Carillo was the mother-in-law of General Vallejo, commander of the Mexican forces north of the Presidio of San Francisco. In 1837 the Senora built an adobe structure at the junction of ancient Native American trading routes near present-day Farmer's Lane and Highway 12. The ruins still stand today adjacent to St. Eugene's Church.
According to popular legend, this area was named Santa Rosa by Father Juan Amorosa. After baptizing a young Native American woman in a stream, he followed the usual custom of naming rivers and creeks for saints.
Because the baptism took place on the day of the Feast of Santa Rosa de Lima, Santa Rosa was the name given to the stream (and later to the whole valley) as well as to the young woman who was baptized.
The discovery of gold and California's statehood gradually produced more traffic along the roads past Santa Rosa. Some who came for gold, realized that farming in the rich Santa Rosa valley would bring more wealth than digging for gold and an agricultural community soon flourished.
Santa Rosa is the County seat and center of trade, government, commerce and medical facilities for the North Bay area. The area surrounding Santa Rosa is home to over a hundred wineries and vineyards, and to many beautiful parks and recreational facilities.
Santa Rosa has nearly every attraction of a major city, with its symphony, performing arts center, theater productions and internationally-recognized restaurants. And yet, the city has somehow retained the warmth and small-town feel of decades past.
With fine schools that include a renowned junior college, a wealth of businesses and services, a nearly endless array of recreational opportunities and a superb climate in which to enjoy them, Santa Rosa is a combination of elements that create a vibrant community.
Santa Rosa has gone to great lengths to provide visitors and friends with detailed map information of our area. Please take a moment to explore some of the magic that is Santa Rosa.
