County Landmark 69
Calvin H. Holmes House
14560 CA-128
Kellogg
Built 1865
38°38'30.3"N 122°42'10.1"W

Knights Valley lies to the east of Alexander Valley beneath Mount St. Helena. This small valley, with its surrounding mountains and creeks, drains into Maacama Creek and the Russian River. Although named after Thomas Knight, Calvin Holmes was a more influential early resident.

In 1843, Mexican Governor Manuel Micheltorena awarded a land grant to Jose de los Santos Berryessa who would be the last alcalde of Alta California. The grant included Knights Valley, then named Mallacomes Valley. Berryessa built an adobe lodge for his guests and used the land as a private hunting preserve.

After the Mexican-American war, Thomas B. Knight, a Vermont immigrant and participant in the Bear Flag Revolt, bought 9,000 acres, including the adobe lodge, and added a second story to it.

In 1861, Calvin Holmes and his wife purchased a sizable portion of Knights Valley and erected this large Second Empire house.