Located on a 20-acre estate only a half-mile northwest of the Plaza, General Mariano Vallejo's Lachryma Montis is a tribute to the indomitable spirit and adaptability of this remarkable man.

With the coming of American rule, the former Mexican commandante embraced a new way of life. He built this classic, Yankee-style, two-story Gothic as his permanent home in 1851-moving from his adobe, Casa Grande, on the Plaza. And he went on to serve with distinction in both state and local government.

Abundant springs on the hillside gave the place its name. The Indians called it "Ghiucuvm" after an ancient legend. Vallejo translated this into Latin, Lachryma Montis, meaning "Tears of the Mountain."

With steep-pitched roof and dormer windows, the Vallejo home stands at the end of a long, lovely lane, bordered by shade trees. It is a prefabricated structure, built of spruce and shipped around the Horn. Outstanding features include the large Gothic window and the carved, ornamental eaves. The general lived here with his family until his death in 1890.

The adjacent storehouse, known as the "Swiss Chalet" (now the museum), was built of prefabricated timbers imported from Europe. Reassembled at Lachryma Montis, Vallejo used the building to store wines, olives and other produce.

On July 7, 1933, Lachryma Montis became a state historical monument, open to the public. Lachryma Montis is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children.