Hidden History of Napa Valley

By Alexandria Brown

Napa Valley is known for its wine and winemakers, but just beneath the fertile soil lies another, more complex version of its history. Uncover the story of Napa's first Chinatown--once home to nearly five hundred immigrants--that dwindled to fewer than seventeen residents before the last buildings were razed in the early twentieth century. Meet the small but determined group of African American farmers and barbers who called Napa home and the indomitable May Howard, a successful businesswoman and brothel owner. Learn about the Bracero Program that kept many of Napa's wineries, including Krug, Beaulieu and Stag's Leap, thriving during World War II. Join author Alexandria Brown as she explores these lesser-known stories of the ordinary people who helped shape modern-day wine country.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1467138991
• ISBN13: 9781467138994
• Release Date: March 2019
• Publisher: History Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Forgotten history of Napa Valley CA

This is a voice written by Alexandria Brown who declared in the preface: there would be no Napa Valley without the subjugation of Indigenous people, the enslavement of African Americans, the exploitation of Chinese and Mexican laborers, the agricultural traditions established by Califorinio ranchers and European Immigrations and the undervalued physical and emotional labor provided by women. She divided short chapters to share the hidden history of these groups. She is credited for highlighting the Chinese people contributions and endured the hardship in Napa, with this Labor Day weekend dedication plaque overlooking the bridge in memory of the old Chinatown and the Chinese laborers who was the pillar of making Napa, the wine country. This book sure influences the groups who put into action to honor the Chinese of Napa with an eventful ceremony with Taoist Priests. This book will motivate readers to make a tour trip to this California town for wine tasting and its multi-culture history.