National Register Listing

Our Lady of the Wayside

930 Portola Rd., Portola Valley, CA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Religion; Philosophy; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture religion philosophy social history
The Hollywood sign, which originally read "Hollywoodland," was built in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development. The sign was intended to be temporary, but it became a beloved symbol of the film industry and was eventually made permanent.
California random facts
San Mateo County, located in Northern California, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Ohlone people, who lived off the land and coastline. European exploration began in the late 18th century, with Spanish explorers and missionaries venturing into the region.

In the early 19th century, the Mexican government granted large land grants, known as ranchos, to influential individuals. Rancho San Mateo was one of these grants, encompassing much of what is now San Mateo County. The California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s brought an influx of settlers to the region, leading to the development of towns and a growing economy.

The completion of the Central Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century boosted the county's growth, providing easier access for trade and transportation. With the railroad's arrival, cities like Redwood City and San Mateo saw rapid development and urbanization, attracting more people to the area.

In the 20th century, San Mateo County experienced further growth with the rise of technology and industry. Companies like Oracle and Electronic Arts chose to establish their headquarters within the county, contributing to the region's reputation as a tech hub. Today, San Mateo County remains a vibrant and diverse community with a strong economy, beautiful coastline, and a blend of rural and urban areas.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of San Mateo County, California.

  • 1856 - San Mateo County is established as one of the original 27 counties of California.
  • 1860s - The county experiences rapid growth with the development of railroads and the expansion of the local economy.
  • 1892 - The Crystal Springs Dam is completed, providing a reliable water source for the growing population.
  • 1906 - The Great San Francisco Earthquake causes significant damage in San Mateo County.
  • 1931 - The county's first Bay Bridge, connecting San Mateo and Hayward, is opened.
  • 1942 - During World War II, the county becomes a center of defense and military activity.
  • 1967 - The iconic Cow Palace is constructed in Daly City.
  • 1974 - The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, a major transportation link, is completed.
  • 1990s - The county experiences further economic growth and technological advancements.
  • 2002 - The completion of the Devil's Slide Tunnel provides a safer and more reliable transportation route along the coast.