The History of San José:
From California's First Pueblo to Silicon Valley.
The Beginnings: California's First Pueblo Pueblo (1777-1850)
San José was founded on November 29, 1777, as Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, the first civilian settlement in Alta California, established by José Joaquín Moraga under the leadership of Juan Bautista de Anza. Long before Spanish settlers, the area was home to the Tamien tribe of the Ohlone people—an important reminder of San José’s Indigenous roots.
Growth & Quirks: The 19th & Early 20th Centuries
San José officially incorporated as a city on March 27, 1850, just days after statehood was granted. The city’s agricultural roots deepened during the Gold Rush era when quicksilver (mercury) mining in nearby New Almaden played a vital role.
Among San José’s more eccentric landmarks is the Winchester Mystery House, begun by Sarah Winchester in the late 19th century. Its labyrinthine corridors, stairways to nowhere, and ghostly lore make it one of the city’s most famous attractions.
By the early 1900s, San José had begun embracing culture and innovation. The San José Public Library and Grauman’s Theatre opened, and KQW radio—the first with general programming—started broadcasting downtown.
Shifting Gears: Industry to Innovation (Mid-20th Century)
Post–World War II, San José moved from orchards and canneries toward high-tech industry. Defense contractors like Food Machinery Corporation (FMC) arrived in the 1940s. In 1943, IBM established its first West Coast facility here, eventually developing pioneering tech like the hard disk drive. By the 1980s, San José adopted the title “Capital of Silicon Valley,” solidifying its identity as a global tech hub.
Trivia & Tales Homebuyers Will Love
-First School in the CSU System: San José State University was the first institution in the CSU system.
-Alum Rock Park: Founded in 1872, and California’s oldest municipal park.
-Family Farm Legacy: The Cosentino Family Farm is one of the last operating orchards in Kooser, preserving a slice of San José’s agricultural past.
Why History Matters in Real Estate
When you choose a home in San José, you’re investing in more than a house—you’re stepping into a narrative that spans centuries. Homes here sit on land that once supported Ohlone communities, Spanish settlers, orchards, and tech innovators. That depth adds a tangible sense of place that’s rare in newer communities.
