San Jose, Santa Clara County, California, USA

San Jose is a community in Santa Clara County, California, set within California’s Pacific-facing valleys, coastal ranges and metropolitan corridors. Founded as a Spanish pueblo in 1777, San Jose grew from an orchard center into the largest city in Silicon Valley. Local settlement followed the broader regional pattern: Indigenous communities, Spanish and Mexican settlement, railroads and twentieth-century growth all left their mark, followed by expanding road connections. Technology, trade, education, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism shape contemporary life. Natural and built landmarks make the area recognizable to residents and visitors alike.