San Mateo’s History and Why We’re Proud to Serve the San Mateo Community
Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza camped at San Mateo Creek in 1776, and Father Pedro Font named the stream “San Mateo.” Mission fathers later established an outpost there to manage livestock and supply Mission San Francisco.
After Mexico’s independence, Governor Juan Alvarado granted Rancho San Mateo and Rancho de las Pulgas to Californio families. Merchant William Davis Merry Howard purchased Rancho San Mateo and built the El Cerrito estate around 1850.
San Mateo became a stagecoach stop in 1849 and a railroad town in 1863 when the San Francisco–San Jose line opened. Wealthy San Franciscans built estates along the line; builder Robert Wisnom constructed many homes and commercial buildings. The Crystal Springs Dam (1889) ensured a reliable water supply, and residents voted to incorporate in 1894.
Modern San Mateo is a thriving city of over 105,000 people with a median wage above $100,000 and major employers such as Sony PlayStation, GoPro, SurveyMonkey, Rakuten and Franklin Templeton. With its mild climate, parks and vibrant downtown, it’s a great place to call home. We’re proud to serve San Mateo’s residents and businesses.