What if I told you that San Mateo County was once part of San Francisco County? It is a tale of political maneuvering and compromise. Let’s step back in time to understand how San Mateo County came to be.
San Mateo County’s story begins long before its official establishment. The Ramaytush Ohlone people inhabited this peninsula for at least 6500 years. Their lives changed dramatically in 1769 with the arrival of Army Captain Gaspar de Portola. Portola discovered the San Francisco Bay from Sweeney Ridge. This discovery became vital to the Spanish colonization plans for California.
The Franciscans needed agricultural outposts. They built them at San Pedro Creek and San Mateo Creek. These outposts supported the mission in San Francisco. After secularization in 1835, the Mexican-California government granted land. The Arguello family received the largest grant, Rancho de las Pulgas. The Sanchez family owned three grants. Francisco Sanchez even led Californios against U.S. Marines at the Battle of Santa Clara in 1847. The battle resulted in no casualties and a truce.
Before the Gold Rush, Americans started a logging industry in the hills of San Mateo County. Redwood City became a significant population center. It served as a port for the lumber industry.
San Mateo County wasn’t an original California county in 1850. It was formed in 1856 through political compromise. The area was initially part of San Francisco County. Reformers wanted to consolidate San Francisco’s government. However, political allies resisted. State Assemblyman Horace Hawes had to compromise. San Francisco government consolidated but two counties emerged.
The bill officially organized San Mateo County on April 18, 1857. Senator T.G. Phelps introduced the bill. It defined the southern boundary and named Redwood City as the county seat. San Mateo County later annexed part of northern Santa Cruz County in 1868. An election in May 1856 initially named Belmont the county seat. The election was deemed illegal and the county government moved to Redwood City.
The name San Mateo comes from the Spanish name for Saint Matthew. It appeared as early as 1776 in Anza and Font’s diaries. Several geographic features were also named San Mateo.
Japanese immigrants arrived in San Mateo County around 1872. They learned English and other skills. Many found work as gardeners and landscapers.
San Mateo County covers much of the San Francisco Peninsula. The Santa Cruz Mountains run through it. The county features diverse habitats. These include estuarine, marine, and redwood forests. Several endangered species reside here. The San Francisco garter snake and San Bruno elfin butterfly are endemic to the county.
Today, San Mateo County thrives. It has a high median household income. It’s a hub for corporate campuses and technology companies. San Mateo County continues to evolve while preserving its rich history. It is a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and economic innovation.