The General Joseph Hooker House was built in the early 1850's for Civil War General "Fighting Joe" Hooker. Hooker sold the house originally located on First Street West, and the many acres of adjoining land to Catherine Vasquez and her husband, Pedro, with the deed registered in Catherine's name. The Vasquez family occupied the house until 1901, and it is believed that at least two of their children were born in one of the upstairs bedrooms.

In 1973, the house was given to the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation by the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lynch of Sonoma. The Lynch Family founded the local newspaper, The Sonoma Index-Tribune. The house was moved to its present location which is owned by the owners of El Paseo. The relocation placed the house within the boundaries of the Sonoma Plaza National Monument.

Reconstruction of the house was undertaken by members of the League with donations of materials and labor from local residents and businessmen.

The Vasquez House was opened to the public in 1976 as the Vasquez House and in 2008 the house was renamed to honor the original owner, Joseph Hooker. It is now known as the General Joseph Hooker House.

The Sonoma League for Historic Preservation installed a time line from 1523 through 2009 with text and pictures, in the General Joseph Hooker House, that traces the history of the City of Sonoma, the life of General Joseph Hooker and the historical events of the United States. In 1879 General Hooker died then takes one to 2009 with other major events of Sonoma history.

November 21 the Hooker House will open a new exhibit, a photo essay entitled, "Moments in Time." The exhibit shows the deterioration of Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma during its period of neglect and its gradual restoration. The rebuilding of the Mission was a joint community effort as the restoration of the Blue Wing Inn will be.

Docents are available on the open days listed below

Time Period Represented: 1850 to present

Hours Open: Saturday, Sunday, Monday 1-4 p.m.

Visitor Fees: Free of charge

Seasons Open: All Year

Price Style for this Establishment: free