John Rains House

The John Rains House, also known as Casa de Rancho Cucamonga, is a historic house located in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Built between 1860 and 1861, it was home to John Rains, a notable businessman who established California's first commercial winery. The house features a unique cooling system utilizing creek water and was a venue for extravagant gatherings among local elites. Following Rains' tragic murder in 1862 and subsequent financial troubles, the property changed hands, ultimately being lost by his wife, María Merced Williams. Recognized for its historical significance, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is now a museum, recently renamed to honor both Rains and Williams, reflecting their intertwined legacies.