Ross House

693 S. 2nd St., San Jose, CA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

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California is home to the world's tallest tree, a coast redwood named Hyperion. The tree, which stands over 379 feet tall, was discovered in Redwood National Park in 2006.
Santa Clara County, located in California's Silicon Valley, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by the Ohlone Native Americans, who lived along the coast and in the Santa Clara Valley, practicing a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and utilizing the area's abundant resources.

The arrival of Spanish explorers in the late 18th century brought significant changes to the region. In 1777, the Mission Santa Clara de Asís was established as part of the Spanish mission system. The mission played a central role in the development of the area, introducing agriculture, European-style architecture, and Christianity. The mission's influence extended to the establishment of Santa Clara College, now known as Santa Clara University, in 1851.

The California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century had a profound impact on Santa Clara County. The discovery of gold in nearby areas brought a flood of prospectors to the region, leading to a rapid population increase. The county experienced an economic boom as a result, with agriculture, particularly fruit orchards and vineyards, becoming a significant industry.

By the late 20th century, Santa Clara County had transformed into an economic powerhouse, earning the moniker "Silicon Valley." The invention of the microchip and the subsequent growth of the technology industry in the 1960s and 1970s laid the foundation for the region's high-tech success. Companies like Intel, Apple, and Google established their headquarters in Santa Clara County, fueling innovation and leading to advancements in computer technology and electronics.

Today, Santa Clara County continues to be at the forefront of technological advancements, with numerous tech companies, research institutions, and startups calling the region home. Despite the modernization and urban development, the county still retains its natural beauty, with its diverse landscapes, such as the Santa Cruz Mountains and the picturesque coastline, providing a backdrop to its ever-evolving history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Santa Clara County, California.

  • 1770 - Spanish explorer, Gaspar de Portolá, discovers the Santa Clara Valley
  • 1777 - The Mission Santa Clara de Asís is established
  • 1822 - Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Santa Clara County becomes part of Mexico
  • 1846 - The Bear Flag Revolt takes place in California, and Santa Clara County becomes part of the United States
  • 1850 - California becomes a state, and Santa Clara County is officially recognized
  • 1851 - San Jose becomes the first incorporated city in the county
  • 1861 - Construction of the western portion of the First Transcontinental Telegraph line is completed, passing through Santa Clara County
  • 1871 - Leland Stanford, one of the "Big Four" railroad tycoons, founds Stanford University in Santa Clara County
  • 1941 - Moffett Federal Airfield is built by the U.S. Navy in Santa Clara County
  • 1955 - The first high-tech company, Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory, is established in Santa Clara County, leading to the area becoming known as Silicon Valley