Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is the largest city within the Bay Area, offering everything from architectural landmarks and a historic district to major scientific and technological districts. It hasn’t always been like this, though. The city has a long history full of culture, innovation, and serious growth. Our Lexus of Stevens Creek team would like to provide you with a brief history of San Jose and why we’re proud to represent the area as your premier Lexus dealership.
An Early History
Long before the Spanish came to California, thousands of Native Americans called the San Jose area their home. A permanent European presence only came in 1770 with the founding of Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo and the Presidio of Monterey 60 miles to the south. During expeditions to explore the Sacramento River Delta and the East Bay, an explorer named Don Pedro Fages passed through the area. Fages went on to become the Lieutenant Governor of the Californias under Gaspar de Portolá.
The founding of Mission San Carlos led to a 1775 expedition north of Monterey, where Juan Bautista de Anza traveled with a smaller group. His mission was to prove that there was a land route from Mexico to upper California, which he was able to prove. While he did leave the area before any actual settlements were erected, his name can still be found throughout the city.
Downtown San Jose, CA by Eric Fredericks with license CC BY S-A 2.0
The Founding of San Jose
On November 29, 1777, Jose Joaquin Moraga founded the pueblo of San Jose in honor of Saint Joseph. It was the first upper Californian pueblo that was not associated with a military post or a mission. The current intersection of Taylor Street and Guadalupe Parkway is where the original pueblo was located. In 1797, the pueblo was moved to what is now the Downtown San Jose area in what surrounds the Pueblo Plaza. In the following years, Mexican Rancho Land Grants secured the lands now considered San Jose, California.
The First Major California Mining Operation
In 1845, Andres Castillero began a mining operation in south San Jose. The area was rich in ore and was used to produce mercury. In 1846, the name was changed to the New Almaden mine and quickly became a significant source of mercury. This was used to create amalgam, which was used during gold mining. The New Almaden mine surrounding the hills of San Jose became more lucrative than any gold mine in California and was the largest mercury mine in North America.
The First Incorporated City in California
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo at the end of the Mexican-American war ceded California to the United States in 1848. By 1850, California was officially a US state, with San Jose as its capital and first incorporated city. Soon after, in 1857, the first higher education public institution was founded and quickly relocated to San Jose. It became known as California State University and is the oldest state school.
Becoming Silicon Valley
After World War II, veterans and soldiers began settling and building in San Jose. With this population increase came the production of ports for goods and labor. Several major industries found in the area were military-based electronics and aerospace companies, thus beginning the shift from farming to boosting plant growth with electricity. An early silicon transistor company spawned a series of high-tech companies within the area, leading to a reputation for being innovative. This led to the area being referred to as “Silicon Valley” by journalist Don Hoefler.
William Hewlett and David Packard created the iconic Hewlett Packard namesake here in Silicon Valley in 1939. Since then, it has been known as an area where humble origins could blossom into something huge. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak anchored the term Silicon Valley into place when the first Apple computer was created in a local Los Altos garage.
About San Jose Now
San Jose is currently the largest city in the Northern California area, with an estimated population of 1 million. It’s the third-largest in the entire state, behind Los Angeles and San Diego, and the tenth-largest in the entire United States. Rated as one of the best places to live in California, San Jose is home to young professionals and families thanks to the abundance of career opportunities and highly rated school districts. And from historical landmarks to beautiful outdoor areas to unique activities, there is plenty to do here in this lovely city.
Interesting Facts About San Jose
There are several interesting facts about the San Jose area besides those mentioned above. Check out some of them below:
- Before San Jose was a part of Silicon Valley, it was known for its family farms and vineyards. Whether it be vegetables, orchard fruits, or tree nuts, the area was known for its agricultural sector as well as canning, packaging, and shipping of the products.
- In 1914, the Grand Prix was awarded to the Saratoga La Cresta Vineyard. It was the first American vineyard awarded this coveted prize.
- The city is full of history and museums such as the Computer History Museum, Winchester Mystery House, and the Cesar Chavez Memorial Walkway.
- Many celebrities hail from San Jose, including Scott Weiland, Kate Walsh, and Dustin Diamond.
Lexus of Stevens Creek is proud to be able to serve the residents of San Jose, California. Our historic city is home to rich culture, beautiful weather, and advanced technology. If you live in the San Jose area and need a new car, stop by to see us today at 3333 Stevens Creek Boulevard in San Jose. Our showroom is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday for your convenience. Call us at 669-231-0397 or complete our secure online contact form to get started today.
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