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The first known inhabitants of San Carlos were the Ohlone Indians. Ohlone is the name that has been given to the many related groups of Native Americans living along the coast between Monterey and San Francisco.
They hunted deer and small game and relied largely on the bay and ocean for food. The Ohlone used tule reeds that grew near the bay and along the many creeks in the area to build their homes and canoes.
Since food, clothing, and shelter were plentiful, the Lhamshin tribe lived a peaceful life, preferring trade to war.
Life abruptly and dramatically changed for the native people of the San Francisco Peninsula, when Spanish military and civilian settlers arrived to establish military garrisons (presidios), Franciscan missions, and civil settlements (pueblos). By 1810, introduced diseases, forced labor, and efforts to indoctrinate the indigenous peoples into an alien society and religion led to a tragic destruction of the Ohlone way of life in this "time of little choice"
European discovery and exploration of the San Francisco Bay Area and its islands began in 1542 and culminated with the mapping of the bay in 1775.
Colonization, along with the conversion of the Indians, followed closely o the heels of exploration. Although San Carlos lies some distance from either the Mission Dolores in San Francisco or the Mission at Santa Clara the local inhabitants were undoubtedly affected by mission life, which brought increased travel by padres and lay people, and the presence of soldiers.
In August 1775, Lt. Juan Manuel de Ayala brought his sailing ship, the San Carlos, into San Francisco Bay, and anchored in what is now Ayala Cove. His mission was to develop a map of the bay that future Spanish ship captains could rely on. Ayala has the immortal distinction of being the first navigator to enter our port.
According to city lore, San Carlos got it's name from one of the three sources:
- The San Carlos, the first ship to sail into the San Francisco Bay, or
- King Charles III of Spain, or
- the Portola Expedition that discovered the bay on the Feast of St. Charles, Nov 4, 1769.
Then came the first school, where 20 pupils met in a house. By 1918, a new two-room schoolhouse accommodated eight grades.
Mr. Drake is known as "The Father of San Carlos". The Spanish-style cottages seen in the flat area south of San Carlos Avenue (on the tree named streets) reflect the typical architecture popular in the 1920's.
Along with the housing development, a few businesses had begun in town. Many social events of the 20's and 30's were held at the Devonshire Club, which was located at the top of Club Drive. It "went to war" as the Service Club for the World War II Dog Training Center on the old H.H. Ranch. In 1952, it burned in a spectacular fire that could be seen in the Oakland Hills.
Airport
In 1919, a hangar and a flying field were built between San Carlos Avenue and Brittain Avenue east of the railroad. Near there, the old tower of the 1929 San Carlos Feed and Fuel still stands. Other commercial establishments followed, clustering west of the depot in the first two blocks of Cypress Avenue (as San Carlos Avenue was then called) and spreading out along El Camino Real.
First Mayor of San Carlos
In the 1920's, at the northeast edge of town, was a lumberyard owned by James Hugh Martin, who served as the first mayor of San Carlos from 1927 to 1930. Arroyo Avenue marked the southern edge of development.
Fire Department
In 1923, a volunteer fire department was formed, using a fire truck composed of a white taxicab chassis with a chemical truck body donated by the San Francisco Fire Department. So successful were the fundraising card parties and dinners given by the volunteers and their wives that a firehouse was erected in the same year!
Burton Park
Burton Park was the first public recreation facility established by the City. Along with other community developments, land for a city park was purchased in 1936 and the park was financed in March 1938 when citizens passed a 20 year bond issue for purchase of designated property. A provision in the sale precluded the land from being used for the game of baseball!
In 1938, the WPA (Works Progress Administration) constructed the amphitheater and the adobe brick building. The San Carlos Men's Athletic Club, through it's president, Edward R. Burton Sr., sucessfully argued for the baseball issue, which led to the purchase of an additional 3.38 acres for the park, where the game could be played. The park was dedicated in 1940 and re-dedicated in June 1960 to honor Edward Burton Sr., a councilman for eighteen years and a mayor for four.
The citizens of San Carlos voted to incorporate in June 1925. Frederick Drake, known as the "Father of San Carlos", continued to promote the town and coined the motto "The City of Good Living". Drake also founded the San Carlos Enquirer (now the Independent Newspaper), was a key organizer of nearby Sequoia High School and established the Chamber of Commerce in 1926.
San Carlos is a general law city established by and subject to State law. The City Council adopts local legislation by ordinance, affecting areas of health, safety and welfare regulations, traffic laws, building regulations, etc., of the city.
Early in it's History, the City of San Carlos adopted the motto "City of Good Living". That phrase stuck and is still used daily. With an ideal climate, charming neighborhoods, a thriving business/industrial district and a small airport with an adjoining commercial area, San Carlos continually attracts new residents and businesses.
The "City of Good Living" stikes a fine balance between the picturesque neighborhood of it's residential areas and the industrial area East of the railroad tracks.
The quality of life here is top rated with outstanding schools, excellent services for youth and seniors, and wonderful recreation and educational activities for all ages. The City also boasts of an unusually low crime rate. In the last few years citizens overwhelmingly endorsed bond issues to build a beautiful library and to upgrade local parks. A volunteer effort, spearheaded by San Carlos Rotary Club, was responsible for the conceptualization and building of an extensively used Youth Center.
There's plenty of change elsewhere in the city too. Holly Street, the city's main artery from Highway 101, was recently elevated at the CalTrain tracks to end the persistent bottleneck there. The construction was a joint project with the neighboring city of Belmont.
Quaint Downtown
A delightful downtown that includes a mix of excellent restaurants and unique shops. Laurel Avenue has evolved into one of the more popular areas in the County, with merchants clamoring for space among busy boutiques.
Laurel Street is currently undergoing a total reconstruction/beautification which include installing new storm drains, valley gutters, and new pavement.
Learn more about this city
City of SAN CARLOS, CA official site
City of SAN CARLOS, CA chamber of commerce
City of SAN CARLOS, CA general information
City of SAN CARLOS, CA yellow pages
County of SANTA CLARA, CA official site
State of California official site