Samuel Brannan landed in Yerba Buena (San Francisco) in 1846, where he published the first English language paper in California. Following the discovery of gold, Brannan pursued many business ventures which made him California 's first millionaire and a leader in San Francisco’s Committee of Vigilance, the much feared Vigilantes. Fascinated by Calistoga's hot springs, Brannan purchased more than 2,000 acres to develop a spa reminiscent of Saratoga in New York. In 1862, he opened his Hot Springs Resort with the Spa/Hotel located at what is now the Indian Springs Resort. In 1868 the Railroad was completed to Calistoga, which became a regional transportation hub from which stage coaches left for surrounding areas.

Robert Louis Stevenson, who had yet to write his great novels, met Fannie de Grift Osbourne in France, followed her to San Francisco and, after she had obtained a divorce, married her in May, 1880. Three days later they were on their way to honeymoon at the Calistoga Hot Springs Hotel. Desiring to stay in the area, they moved from the hotel to an abandoned cabin at the nearby Silverado Mine. While working on other stories Stevenson kept a journal which became The Silverado Squatters describing many local features, residents and characters.

Calistoga’s walkable downtown retains its Western small town look. Though a working town, we strive to maintain our character (you won’t find franchise fast food here!) and have been named a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. A forty foot diorama of Sam Brannan's Calistoga and one of the original resort cottages, along with many other local history exhibits can be seen at the Sharpsteen Museum located downtown.

You’ll find Calistoga : with 4 International Airports within 100 miles; located in the center of 2 famous wine counties, Napa and Sonoma; having 512 visitor accommodations in highly rated and historic hotels, B&B’s and Inns; has 13 spas and 8 Hot Springs Resorts; has 18 fine restaurants; has 25 wineries within 8 miles; 1 French Antique shop; has 2 state parks with 25 miles of mountain hiking trails; has 3 places to have ice cream while walking downtown; has 2 fine art galleries plus great shopping, a geyser, a petrified forest, hot air balloons; horse carriage rides; bicycle rentals and tours and 1 great Chamber of Commerce.