Pueblo founded
1777
Oldest building
1797
First Legislature
1849
Light tower lit
1881
California Theatre — Opened in 1927 as a vaudeville and movie theatre and closed in 1973. Restored nearly 30 years later, it became Opera San José’s home, with a first season there from September 18, 2004. Source: en.wikipedia.org
Hotel De Anza — Built in 1931 to designs by W. H. Weeks in Art Deco and Mission Revival style, and on the National Register of Historic Places since January 21, 1982. Source: en.wikipedia.org
San Pedro Square Market — A market hall at 87 N. San Pedro Street whose own site lists 22 merchants: eateries, bars and shops, open late every day. Source: sanpedrosquaremarket.com
San Jose Jazz Break Room — San Jose Jazz lists Break Room shows nearly every weekend through December 2026. Weekends, 8 pm. Source: sanjosejazz.org
South First Fridays ArtWalk — Galleries and museums in SoFA, the Historic District and Martha Gardens open late with free entry; produced by CURATUS. First Friday of each month. Source: southfirstfridays.com
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Bayard Taylor
Travel writer, in Eldorado (1850), on his 1849 visit · Eldorado, or Adventures in the Path of Empire · 1850
Pueblo San Jose, situated about five miles from the southern extremity of the Bay of San Francisco, and in the mouth of the beautiful valley of San Jose, is one of the most flourishing inland towns in California.
Source ↗Frederic Hall
Author of The History of San José and Surroundings, 1871, on the State House on Market Plaza · The History of San José and Surroundings · 1871
It was the hall where was gathered the first Legislative Assembly on the Pacific coast
Source ↗Frederic Hall
Author of The History of San José and Surroundings, 1871 · The History of San José and Surroundings · 1871
It is well known to the early settlers of this State; that the first Legislature received the appellation of the “Legislature of a thousand drinks.”
Source ↗Eugene T. Sawyer
Author of History of Santa Clara County, 1922, on the electric light tower · History of Santa Clara County, California · 1922
Lighted at night it presented a beautiful spectacle.
Source ↗San José Daily Herald
Newspaper, December 1881, on the tower’s first lighting, as quoted by the San José Public Library · Looking Back: San Jose’s Electric Light Tower
…for the first time the citizens of San Jose realized that they lived in the only city lighted by electric light, supported by a tower, which like the Colossus at Rhodes, stood astride her two principal streets.
Source ↗Christmas in the Park
The nonprofit that runs the event, on its own history · Christmas in the Park – Festivity, Lights, and Community Spirit
What started as one man’s passion for bringing holiday joy to his community has grown into the Bay Area’s most beloved free Christmas celebration.
Source ↗SubZERO Festival
The festival, on its own site · SubZERO Festival · 2026
Focused on emerging and present subcultures thriving in our region, SubZERO is a DIY, artistically bent, hi/lo-techno mashup where street meets geek.
Source ↗California Historical Landmark No. 461
Text of the landmark plaque at the Circle of Palms, as given by Wikipedia · Circle of Palms Plaza
Directly opposite this tablet was located the first State Capitol Building, in which California’s first Legislature assembled in December 1849. San Jose was the seat of government from 1849 to 1851.
Source ↗Peter Norman
Australian silver medallist of 1968, who asked to be left off the Victory Salute statue, as quoted by Wikipedia · Victory Salute (statue)
Anybody can get up there and stand up for something they believe in. I guess that just about says it all
Source ↗Google review
on Academic Coffee
Super friendly staff and the decaf espresso was so flavorful and fresh!
Source ↗Google review
on 55 South
Great selection of cocktails, live music, energetic crowd, and minimal TVs.
Source ↗Google review
on Academic Coffee
Consistently delicious pastries and drinks with the friendliest service around.
Source ↗
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