From the Ohlone to Silicon

The Ohlone were the first recorded residents of the Santa Clara Valley, and lived in Coyote Creek and Calaveras Creek, in 8000 BC. The European presence in California began with the arrival of famed English explorer, Sir Francis Drake, on July 17, 1579. Drake claimed the land for England and after his departure it took 200 years for settlers from any other European country to establish themselves. However, California was soon swarming with the Spanish and the Russians.

The county acquired its current name in 1777, when Father Junípero Serra came to California in order to establish a chain of Franciscan missions. He named the valley “Clare” or “Clara” meaning “clear”, and the land extended from present-day Palo Alto to Gilroy. San Jose was California's first town, founded by nine Spanish soldiers, five settlers and one cowboy, on orders from the Spanish viceroy of Mexico on November 29, 1777, and named after St. Joseph.

The Santa Clara Valley, more popularly known as the Silicon Valley, has since grown from the small township it was in 1777, to the massive, industrialised tract of land it is today. If you are interested in acquiring real estate in Silicon Valley, contact Dale Warfel. A consultant with Keller Williams Realty, Warfel has technical expertise in real estate and homes for sale in Almaden Valley, Morgan Hill, Cambrian Park, Midtown, Blossom Valley, Monte Sereno, Rose Garden, and Willow Glen, among others. So if you are looking for homes for sale in the communities surrounding the Silicon Valley call him at 408 624 6202 to make an appointment.