San Jose’s History and Why We’re Proud to Serve the San Jose Community
Before any missions or microchips, the fertile Santa Clara Valley was home to the Tamien people of the Ohlone nation, who flourished along the Guadalupe River. In 1777 Spanish settlers founded Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe—the first civic settlement in Alta California—making it a center of colonial agriculture and trade. After Mexico’s independence the town joined the Mexican republic, and when California achieved statehood in 1850, San Jose became the first state capital.
San Jose’s reputation for innovation began early. In 1881, the city erected an electric light tower that made it the first electrified city west of the Rocky Mountains and one of the nation’s largest single sources of electric light. This pioneering spirit foreshadowed later technological breakthroughs.
Following World War II, San Jose’s population boomed as orchards gave way to suburbs and light industry. The advent of semiconductors and high‑tech manufacturing transformed the valley from the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” into Silicon Valley, and by 1990 San Jose had overtaken San Francisco in population. The city officially adopted the motto “Capital of Silicon Valley” in 1988.
Today San Jose is California’s third‑largest city and the 13th‑largest in the United States. Known for innovation, cultural diversity and a mild Mediterranean climate, it remains a global hub for technology and creativity. Fast Plumbing & Drain is proud to serve the people of San Jose—helping homes and businesses in this forward‑looking community stay comfortable and efficient so residents can focus on building the next big idea.