Pleasanton, California, a picturesque city in California's Alameda County, is an ideal place to live and work. In fact, it has even been named as one of best places in the country to live by both Forbes and Money magazine. With a mild climate and close access to the San Francisco Bay, it is little wonder that many people flock to this mid-size city, which has a population of slightly more than 70,000 inhabitants.
The Ohlone people were the first inhabitants of the area, dating back as far as 4,000 years ago. In the 18th Century, Spanish settlers arrived and the natives were forced into the Spanish mission system, and the land became part of Rancho Santa Rita. After California was acquired by the United States and gold was discovered in 1848, the area was well traveled by those seeking their fortune, and a town called Alisal sprang up. Unfortunately, this settlement was a well-known den of outlaws, gunfighters and other unsavory types. Eventually, as the Gold Rush settled down, the town became far more pleasant, and the actual town of Pleasanton was incorporated in 1894.
You might think that Pleasanton was so named due its lovely weather and pleasant aspect, but this is not the case. It was actually supposed to be named, "Pleasonton," after Alfred Pleasonton, who was the Union cavalry Major General that helped to defeat the Confederacy during the Gettysburg Campaign of the United States Civil War. When a post office employee recorded the name of this new California city, he or she accidentally spelled it as Pleasanton and the spelling was never corrected and it still stands today.
There are many attractions in this city, and visitors often enjoy strolling through the historic downtown area, which boasts late 19th century architecture as well as shops, pubs and restaurants. There are quite a few events scheduled downtown during the course of the year, such as the annual tree lighting and holiday parade in December. The 1st Wednesday Street Party events also are popular, and visitors can enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine while they browse through shops and booths while enjoying live music.
The Alameda County Fair has been held in Pleasanton every year since 1912, and the Alameda County Fairgrounds also includes a racetrack that is the oldest single-track horseracing venue in the United States, having opened in 1858. To put that into perspective, the Kentucky Derby didn't begin running until 1875. In addition to the fair and horseracing, there are many other events during the year, including the nation's largest two-day Scottish cultural event, the Scottish Highland Gathering and Games.
If you are in the market for Pleasanton real estate or perhaps a house in a nearby town such as Livermore, it is best to find a real estate company that specializes in finding homes in Pleasanton and Alameda County. The team at 1stInSite.com can help you find the perfect home in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon or any other local city.
The Ohlone people were the first inhabitants of the area, dating back as far as 4,000 years ago. In the 18th Century, Spanish settlers arrived and the natives were forced into the Spanish mission system, and the land became part of Rancho Santa Rita. After California was acquired by the United States and gold was discovered in 1848, the area was well traveled by those seeking their fortune, and a town called Alisal sprang up. Unfortunately, this settlement was a well-known den of outlaws, gunfighters and other unsavory types. Eventually, as the Gold Rush settled down, the town became far more pleasant, and the actual town of Pleasanton was incorporated in 1894.
You might think that Pleasanton was so named due its lovely weather and pleasant aspect, but this is not the case. It was actually supposed to be named, "Pleasonton," after Alfred Pleasonton, who was the Union cavalry Major General that helped to defeat the Confederacy during the Gettysburg Campaign of the United States Civil War. When a post office employee recorded the name of this new California city, he or she accidentally spelled it as Pleasanton and the spelling was never corrected and it still stands today.
There are many attractions in this city, and visitors often enjoy strolling through the historic downtown area, which boasts late 19th century architecture as well as shops, pubs and restaurants. There are quite a few events scheduled downtown during the course of the year, such as the annual tree lighting and holiday parade in December. The 1st Wednesday Street Party events also are popular, and visitors can enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine while they browse through shops and booths while enjoying live music.
The Alameda County Fair has been held in Pleasanton every year since 1912, and the Alameda County Fairgrounds also includes a racetrack that is the oldest single-track horseracing venue in the United States, having opened in 1858. To put that into perspective, the Kentucky Derby didn't begin running until 1875. In addition to the fair and horseracing, there are many other events during the year, including the nation's largest two-day Scottish cultural event, the Scottish Highland Gathering and Games.
If you are in the market for Pleasanton real estate or perhaps a house in a nearby town such as Livermore, it is best to find a real estate company that specializes in finding homes in Pleasanton and Alameda County. The team at 1stInSite.com can help you find the perfect home in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon or any other local city.
About the Author:
Madeleine Glazier enjoys writing about the real estate industry. If you are looking for licensed Moraga real estate agents, or to find Pleasanton homes for sale, please check out the 1stInsite website today.