Lafayette’s History and Why We’re Proud to Serve the Lafayette Community
People have lived in the Moraga Valley for more than 10,000 years; the Saclan Miwok established villages in the area and resisted Spanish soldiers, even fighting a battle in 1797. American pioneer Elam Brown arrived in 1847, purchased the Rancho Acalanus land grant and built a gristmill.
A small settlement grew around Brown’s mill with a blacksmith shop and general store. Postmaster Benjamin Shreve named the town “La Fayette” in 1857, after the Marquis de Lafayette; the spelling was later shortened. Lafayette remained a quiet farming community for many decades.
After World War II, suburban development transformed the valley as new homes and highways were built. Residents worked to preserve hillsides and open space, and the city incorporated in 1968.
Modern Lafayette is known for affluent neighborhoods, top‑ranked schools, scenic hillsides and downtown charm. Parks such as the Lafayette Reservoir and the Lafayette‑Moraga Regional Trail offer outdoor recreation. We’re proud to serve the residents of Lafayette.