The rich history of Napa County spans from the first indigenous American Indians through the Spanish mission period, from the first pioneer white settlers and Gold Rush forty-niners, to the agricultural and viticulture gold rush, and into the tourist destination it is today. As soon as postcards came into being, the enterprising business and resort owners in Napa County began using them to advertise and promote Napa as a destination resort. It is through these windows into the past, sent across the country and the world by visitors and residents alike, that we get a glimpse into life in the Napa Valley during the last century.