The first Europeans were of Mexican heritage. The village of Glen Ellen started out as a land grant owned by General Marianno Vallejo. He bestowed part the grant on to his children's pianoforte teacher as a reward for his services. The property then went to Charles Stuart, a southern gentleman with a bride from Scotland by the name of Ellen. Together they established the Glen Ellen Ranch, known today as the Glen Oaks Ranch on Highway 12. As the town grew around their ranch it assumed the name Glen Ellen and attracted many new settlers, especially those interested in the wine industry.

With the beginning of the railroads in the late 1880's, the town became a popular destination for residents of San Francisco who could hardly wait to escape their fog-bound city in the summer months. They boarded ferry boats in San Francisco, and then transferred to waiting trains in Sausalito or at Sonoma Landing, which was located near the mouth of the Petluma River. From there they eventually reached the many resorts and hotels located in Glen Ellen. The wife and children of the families would spend the entire summer in Glen Ellen, while the husbands commuted to work in San Francisco, returning to Glen Ellen for the weekends.

With the end of the railroad era, the summer visitors found more exciting places to go and Glen Ellen became a town of permanent residents. Many present residents are the 3rd and 4th generation of the original settlers. Glen Ellen was also home to many celebrities, among whom were Jack London, M.F.K. Fisher, Joshua Chauvet, David Pleydel Bouverie and others who have left their mark behind.

Today, Glen Ellen still continues to attract visitors from around the world.