It’s been a while since we talked about Redwood City, RealSmart’s home hub, so we thought we’d share a few photos from the city’s historical archives. As you may know, Redwood City got its name from its beginnings as a logging town that brought lumber down from the mountains to the west, but did you know that Simon Mezes, who owned most of the land in what is now the downtown area, opted to call it “Mezesville” in 1853? The name didn’t stick around for long, and when the town established its first official Post Office, they called it Redwood City.
The following is a set of photographs from the Local History Collection at the Redwood City Public Library, with the original descriptions written by the Redwood City Public Library.
1. Simon Mezes – 1854
Simon Mezes, the attorney for the Argüello Family of the Rancho de las Pulgas, was paid for his services in land. On his largest piece of property, Mezes founded the town that became Redwood City.
Simon Mezes, the attorney for the Argüello Family of the Rancho de las Pulgas, was paid for his services in land. On his largest piece of property, Mezes founded the town that became Redwood City.
2. Oxen Team – 1878Redwood City was named for the giant redwood trees which were logged from the forests in the hills to the west. Cut lumber was dragged by oxen teams down to the wharves at the Redwood embarcadero.
3. Turning Basin – 1892Redwood City developed rapidly due to the discovery of a deep-water channel that extended off of San Francisco Bay. Settlers established a series of wharves for shipping lumber and other products along what became known as “Redwood Creek.”
4. Courthouse – 1883
When San Mateo County was created in 1856, Redwood City was selected as the county seat because of its large population, its extensive commercial base, and the availability of land for a courthouse. Built in 1882, the courthouse pictured here was the second courthouse.
When San Mateo County was created in 1856, Redwood City was selected as the county seat because of its large population, its extensive commercial base, and the availability of land for a courthouse. Built in 1882, the courthouse pictured here was the second courthouse.
5. Railroad Depot – 1884
The railroad line reached Redwood City in 1863, causing both land values and population figures to rise. The first train station, which included a passenger depot and storage shed (on the opposite side of the tracks), was built in 1872.
The railroad line reached Redwood City in 1863, causing both land values and population figures to rise. The first train station, which included a passenger depot and storage shed (on the opposite side of the tracks), was built in 1872.
6. Pioneer Store – 1901
Support businesses for the shipping industries formed along Redwood Creek, with storefronts facing what are now Broadway and Main Streets. The original Pioneer general store building, built in 1859, still stands on Main Street.
Support businesses for the shipping industries formed along Redwood Creek, with storefronts facing what are now Broadway and Main Streets. The original Pioneer general store building, built in 1859, still stands on Main Street.
7. Sequoia High School – 1930
Originally developed as a preparatory school for Stanford University, Sequoia High School (bottom of picture) opened in 1895. The present-day campus is located on the grounds of the former estate of Horace Hawes, author of the legislative bill that created San Mateo County.
Originally developed as a preparatory school for Stanford University, Sequoia High School (bottom of picture) opened in 1895. The present-day campus is located on the grounds of the former estate of Horace Hawes, author of the legislative bill that created San Mateo County.
8. Ampex – 1963
Many large industries located in Redwood City after World War II, including world-renowed Ampex Corp., the developer of magnetic tape and recording equipment. Ampex was named for the initials of its founder, Alexander M. Poniatoff (right), plus “ex” for excellence.
Many large industries located in Redwood City after World War II, including world-renowed Ampex Corp., the developer of magnetic tape and recording equipment. Ampex was named for the initials of its founder, Alexander M. Poniatoff (right), plus “ex” for excellence.
Source: All images and descriptions taken from RWC Public Library’s Local History Collection.
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