The history of Santa Clara, Calif., is rich and diverse, dating back to the days before California existed as a state. Santa Clara was founded in 1777 as the location of one of California's 21 Spanish missions. Mission Santa Clara de Asis gave the city its name. The original mission exists today, located on the grounds of Santa Clara University. Santa Clara, CA, background starts with early European exploration and Spanish colonization.
A Growing City
José Francisco Ortega first arrived in the valley in 1769 becoming the area's first European visitor. Native Americans, called "Costanos" ("coast people") by the Spanish, were found to be inhabiting the area. They later came to be known as the Ohlone. One of the oldest adobe structures found in Northern California today is found in Santa Clara, preserved as a registered historical landmark. The American flag was official raised in the area in 1846 when California officially became part of the United States with Santa Clara officially becoming incorporated in 1852 as part of Santa Clara County and state chartered in 1862.
A Center for Education
Santa Clara history includes establishment as an educational center, attracting students from across the country. Santa Clara College was created in 1851 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) where the mission that gave the city its name once stood. Santa Clara College eventually became Santa Clara University, still a vital part of the city today.
Going from the Family Farm to the Semiconductor
The early economy of Santa Clara focused on the family farm. Orchards and vegetables were easy to grow on the area's fertile soil. Santa Clara continued to thrive into the 20th century when the city had reached a population of 5,000. Santa Clara would maintain that population through the early 1960s. The semiconductor industry lead to the development of Santa Clara's famed Silicon Valley.
Continued Development
This surge in development spurred other industries and construction in the area, including the city's first medical hospital in 1963. New roads and highways would eventually add to the appeal of Santa Clara as a great place to visit or live. Today, the city remains a thriving center of culture, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
