S A N   J O S E ,   C A L I F O R N I A

San Jose, as the third largest city in California, has over 926,000 residents. San Jose boasts an expansive 177 square miles of incorporated area. Growing out of the Gold Rush of the eighteen hundreds, San Jose has become known as the premier location for the 'new Gold Rush' of research and development of computer hardware and software. It is home to the corporate offices of Cisco Systems, Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi, Oracle and many more prestigious industry leaders. Despite its sleek steel skyscrapers and industry, the heart of San Jose can still be felt beating to the sound of horses' hooves and cowboy's boots. A stroll through History Park will clearly show that this is a modern metropolis that hasn't forgotten its roots. There are over 100 city landmarks attesting to this reverence for the past and vision for the future.

Brief History

The Ohlone Indians have been spread across the west coast of North America since before recorded history, from the banks of the Guadalupe River to the heart of what is San Francisco, today. The Spaniards came to the San Jose area in the 18th century, and, near the banks of the Guadalupe, founded the Mission Santa Clara. The Mission still stands to 

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this day, at the University of Santa Clara. San Jose was founded in 1777 as Pueblo de San Jose, and was the first civilian settlement in California. Its humble beginning as a small frontier settlement would not last long. San Jose became a major stop for the gold-struck entrepreneurs on their way to mines during the Gold Rush. The settlement, despite the increased commerce, was plagued by the transient population and was unprepared for the drain on their meager resources. This difficult period did, however, provide the benefit of forcing the development of the economy and infrastructure. Due to its rapidly growing size, population, and economy, San Jose was named the Capital of California when they attempted to enter the union of states in 1849. As San Jose simply did not have the infrastructure to support its populace - - let alone the legislators - - the capital was later moved to Monterey. Since that stunning defeat over a century ago, San Jose has managed to grow into a thriving metropolis, and make a name for itself - most notably, "Silicon Valley." In 1939, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard founded a company that would go on to influence the city, the state, and the world. Their auspicious beginnings have developed San Jose into an internationally unrivaled technological powerhouse.

Major Attractions 

History Park

At the south end of Kelley Park, you can find 27 authentic and replica buildings from San Jose's past. Businesses, landmarks, and houses from the varied and tumultuous history of the city can be found in History Park. Most notably is the painstakingly restored Ng Shing Gung, a Chinese community and religious center originally built in 1888. It is one of many indications in History Park of the diversity that has always been represented in San Jose.

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Alum Rock Park

Alum Rock Park is San Jose's largest park. It was dedicated in 1872, also making it the oldest city park in California. There are hiking and cycling trails weaving throughout the expanse of this well preserved natural resource. There is a visitor's center in the middle of the Alum Rock Canyon that furnishes information, maps, and educational displays. Enjoyable for all ages, the park hosts the Youth Science Institute, which maintains a small zoo of animals.

Hakone Gardens
About a half hour outside of downtown San Jose, you can find the oldest Japanese-style residential gardens in the Western Hemisphere. The Hakone Gardens were designed by Tsunematsu Shintani and Noahuru Aihara in 1918 and have endured the years to become an absolutely breathtaking display of natural beauty. The Gardens also offer their services as host to wedding services and other special events. This is a San Jose site not to be missed!

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Sports Teams

The San Jose Earthquakes

The Earthquakes are relatively new to the Major League Soccer circuit, becoming a charter member on June 15, 1994. They were originally known as the "Clash," but after four seasons they changed to the "Earthquakes" to carry on the legacy of a local team of repute. In 2001, the Earthquakes truly shook the world when they won the MLS Cup Championship.

The San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are among of the fiercest competitors in the National Hockey League. Since the NHL granted the franchise in 1990 to George and Gordon Gund, the Sharks have consistently built a devout fan base, despite winning an average of only 42% of their games.