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superiority of the site for a metropolis is unequalled on the Pacific seaboard, and unsurpassed by any spot in the world, lying as it does at the junction of the valley outlet with the head of ocean navigation, with fine anchorage and land-locked harbor, easv ferriage across the bay, fine climate, smooth and slightly ris- ing ground, with a magnificent view over bays and isles, and the lovely valley of the contra costa nestling at the foot of Mount JDiablo. And Benicia, as it was finally called, prospered under the energetic man- agement. Although less than a year old, it now boasted nearly a score of buildings, with two hundred lots sold, a serviceable ferry, and with prospects that, utterly eclipsing those of adjoining aspirants, were creating a flutter of alarm in the city at the Gate.*^ Passing on the extreme right the Arraijo rancho, and proceeding up the Napa Valley, now famed alike for its scenery and vineyards, we find a large number of settlers. Foremost among them is the veteran trapper, George Yount, who in 1836 built here the first American block-house of the country, as well as the first flour and saw mill, and extended warm hos- pitality to subsequent comers. North of him entered soon afterward J. B. Chiles and William Pope into the small valleys bearing their names, and E. T. Bale and John York." The Berreyesa brothers oc- cupy their large valley across the range, on the head- waters of Putah Creek; and on the site of the present Napa City, just about to be laid out, stand the two houses of Cayetano Juarez and Nicolds Higuera, who had settled on this spot in 1840, followed by Salvador Vallejo, and later by Joel P. Walker and Nathan
^ Stephen Cooper was alcalde. For other names, see preceding volume, v. 672 et seq.
- • Properly in Soisun Valley, near the present Fairfield, where Iwrdered
also the grants of Snisun and Suscol, the latter claimed by Valleio, but which claim was rejected. Mare Island was used as a stock-range by V. Castro, its (grantee.
- ^ At the present St Helena and Calistoga, respectively. With Yount was
C Hopper; with Pope. Bamett; and with Chiles, Haldridge. Below extended the Chimiles grant of J. L Berrey
