Explore The History Of Walnut Creek California

California as a whole has one of the most fascinating histories of any state in the U.S. However  - it is a big place and delving into the background of many of its areas can provide the visitor with a fascinating insight into just what makes one of the most vibrant of the states in America tick.

One of these places is Walnut Creek, California. The history of Walnut Creek is a testament to just how quickly the American dream became reality for many of those who now call California home.

Archaeological studies have shown that area has been steeled for thousands of years. As far back as when the Spanish arrived in what they had called 'the new world' there were already native American tribes who were calling the area that is now called Walnut Creek, home. In fact, there were four tribes that called the area home. According to scientists, there were four native American tribes who called the area home.

It was in 1772 that the first records of exploration by those from the so-called 'Western World' are recorded. This was when the Spanish explorer Captain Pedro Fages led his party along the coastline mapping and penetrating some short distances inland to explore what was later to become known as the area around Walnut Creek.

By 1790 the native inhabitants of the area had found themselves in a situation where they could no longer compete with the influx of the new settlers in the region and had retreated to new areas where they were assimilated into other Spanish settlements.

From this time onwards the history of Walnut Creek was to be dominated by the spanish - at least for a long period of time.

By 1821 the Spanish however were to lose their dominance over California when the Mexican claim to the area became a reality. The missions that had been a feature of settlement of the landscape were provided with a lease on life by the aggressive Mexican push to see new settlers make their homes in the region.

In 1849 the first of American settlers, William Slusher erected his cabin on what was then known as west bank of Arroyo de las Nueces by the Mexican inhabitants - this would later become known as 'Nuts Creek.' This land was owned by one of the original settlers Ygnacio Sibrian, grandson of one of the previous owners Doña Juana.

In 1850 California was recognized as the 31st state of the then-nascent United States of America. The development of what was to soon become Walnut Creek was given a shot in the arm with the establishment of Sulpher Springs Ranch, owned by Ygnacio Sibrian.

It was at this time that the village of what is now Walnut Creek began its long path towards what it is today. It was at that time known as 'The corners' due to the fact that it was at the intersection of two roads that connected the grain growing communities that surrounded it.

The area now became more and more organized and by 1860 Hiram Penniman had laid out the first town plan with streets that included what was to become the main street. By 1862 the establishment of a U.S. post office allowed the town to be officially recognized as Walnut Creek.

A newspaper was established and a church soon followed. Grain was son eclipsed by fruit and nut orchards. Electrification arrived in the town in 1910 and paved roads followed that development. From this date, the town boomed with theaters and parks quickly springing up.

By 1950 the population had reached almost 2,500 people. By 1980 that population had boomed to almost 54,000 souls. By 2014 the citizens of Walnut Creek as it now stands celebrated its 100 years as a city.

The history of Walnut Creek California has been one of continuous growth and prosperity - and the city looks forward to another decade of similar success.