Welcome to Old Town Santa Clara, a place rich with history and a vital part of California’s narrative. Let’s journey back to the late 18th century, when the Spanish were on a mission to colonize California. In 1777, they established Mission Santa Clara de Asís, led by the renowned Franciscan missionary Junípero Serra. This mission was one of the 21 missions formed to spread Christianity among the Indigenous peoples and was crucial in shaping the area’s early development.
Throughout the 19th century, Santa Clara evolved from its mission roots into a burgeoning agricultural hub, thanks to its fertile soil and favorable climate. The city was incorporated in 1852, and in the following decades, it became a center for orchards and vegetable farming. The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s, with Murphy’s Station, further accelerated Santa Clara’s growth and connected it to larger markets.
However, the 20th century brought dramatic changes. The post-World War II era saw Santa Clara at the forefront of urban renewal, a movement aimed at modernizing cities across the United States. Despite good intentions, these efforts led to the demolition of much of the historic downtown in the 1960s. The plan was to create a modern cityscape, but it resulted in a loss of historical architecture and a vacuum that the city is still addressing today.
Santa Clara’s transformation continued as it became a cornerstone of Silicon Valley, the epicenter of technological innovation. Today, the city hosts the headquarters of tech giants like Intel and Nvidia, and its landscape is dotted with the signs of modern industry. Yet, remnants of its past, like the Mission Santa Clara de Asís and the reconstructed Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum, serve as reminders of its rich history.
As you explore Old Town Santa Clara, think of the many individuals who have walked these paths before you—from Ohlone natives to Spanish missionaries, from 19th-century farmers to modern tech pioneers. Each has left an indelible mark on this vibrant city.
