Redwood City Sesquicentennial

Redwood City Sesquicentennial. . Residents of this maritime-oriented village known as Embarcadero, Mezesville, Redwood Landing, and Redwood met 150 years ago in civic action to improve muddy, impassable streets that halted commerce during the winter. Twice before, residents had met to solve community problems: in 1856, when San Mateo County was organized and residents were threatened by an invasion of political scoundrels from San Francisco, and in 1861, when the townspeople organized a fire department. In 1863, the railroad arrived, causing profound changes, and land values spiraled upward as wealthy San Franciscans ventured south to build large homes. By 1900, the lumber business had left the area, and tanning, manufacturing, salt production, agriculture, and businesses like hotels and general stores flourished. In 1906, the San Francisco Earthquake displaced thousands of people, whom Redwood City welcomed. Thus the population boom commenced. Redwood City began its transformation from a rough-and-tumble lumber and shipping town to today's vibrant city, bustling with restaurants, theaters, historic tours, tech 'companies, and the Port of Redwood City, the only deepwater port on the South Bay. In 2017, we will celebrate Redwood City's sesquicentennial with events that will bring our community together to discover our history, honor our diversity, and explore our neighborhoods.