Hillsborough, CA, is the city of the elites. Founded in 1890, it is still deemed a sanctuary for San Francisco’s wealthiest people. While there have been changes since its founding, it is still undeniably one of California’s most prestigious and premier communities.
In this blog post, we will get personal with Hillsborough, CA, and explore its history from its early foundation to its today’s prime!
Early History and Founding of Hillsborough
Hillsborough’s early history and founding started when the land was granted to Cayetano Arenas in 1846. The land was later bought by William Davis Merry Howard, whose roots come from the shipping industry of Hillsboro, New Hampshire.
Mexican Land Grants and Ranchos
After gaining independence from Spain, the Mexican government took over and granted lands to influential families. These lands were called ranchos.
Since cattle were raised on these expansive estates, cattle ranching grew during this time. The Argüello family received a sizable land grant called Rancho San Mateo, which included Hillsborough.
Transition to American Ownership
In 1848, the business magnate William Davis Merry Howard acquired the 6,500-acre land grant from Cayetano Arenas for $25,000. He became the only owner, and there in the home he built that he and his family called “El Cerrito,” he put his visions to reality.
Founding of Hillsborough and Development as a Residential Community
Origins of Hillsborough as a Wealthy Residential Enclave
The prominent early residents of Hillsborough left a lasting impact on Hillsborough, shaping its culture and economy today. Among them were the Howards, Crockers, Poetts, and Redington. Later, a new generation, including the Newhalls, Tobins, Carolans, Clarks, and Grants, helped shape Hillsborough, California.
Perhaps their most significant impacts are their strong emphasis on privacy, exclusivity, architecture, and social influence.
Prominent Early Residents and Estates
First on our list is the powerful man who (at least, we can say) started it all, William Howard. After he purchased “Rancho San Mateo,” they built what will be known as the “first grand estate in Hillsborough,” today, “El Cerrito.”
Harriet Pullman Carolan was married to Francis J. Carolan. Harriet was the heiress of the Pullman Railroad Company and lived a truly affluent life. In 1914 she had the Carolands Chateau, or simply “The Chateau,” built as a grand French-inspired mansion.
The house spans 46,000 sq ft and features 90 rooms, and it was considered one of the most beautiful mansions at that time. Today, Carolands is one of Hillsborough’s landmarks and a time travel machine from the early 1900s.
Templeton Crocker’s “Uplands Estate”
Charles Crocker’s grandfather was one of the builders of the Central Pacific Railroad. From 1911 to 1917, Willis Polk, a renowned American Architect, designed his estate, “Upland.”
The house was built when he married Helene Irwin, a heiress to California and the Hawaiian Sugar Company. However, they sold the house to Crystal Springs Schools in the late 1900s.
The Role of William C. Ralston and Bankers
William C. Ralston is another influential figure in early Hillsborough history. He also played a significant role in the city’s development.
Ralston is the founder of the Bank of California. His influence as a businessman in the finance sector has attracted many affluent families to relocate to the area. As he resided in Hillsborough, he helped the city’s development by drawing more financiers and industrialists, boosting its economy and infrastructure.
These early influential people set the tone for what Hillsborough would be a century later.
Mid-20th Century
The mid-20th century saw a boom in population and infrastructure in Hillsborough, CA, including more residential properties and schools. Although this was the era of great development, the glorious and large homes of the early powerful residents started to be subdivided, leaving them only several acres behind.
The city’s population had significantly increased by 1938; from under 1000 residents, it rose to 2,500.
As of 2020, the demographics in Hillsborough, California, are approximately 11,000 people.
Hillsborough’s Education System: Establishing Schools and Achievements
A city’s education system reflects its commitment to excellence and student achievement. Hillsborough, California, has some of the top-performing schools in the state.
Founding of Local Schools and Districts
As the number of affluent families in Hillsborough continued to rise, the need for essential establishments was also raised to accommodate this growing need, and the Hillsborough City School District was established. The founding schools and district in Hillsborough are the following:
- South Hillsborough School, 1917
- North Hillsborough School, 1950s
- West Hillsborough School, 1950s
- William H. Crocker Middle School, 1959
In 2002, these schools were redesigned and modernized to meet the needs of 21st-century learners.
These schools have nurtured and developed the talents, skills, and knowledge of the Hillsborough residents, producing well-equipped young heirs for each of their families.
Hillsborough in the Late 20th Century: Preservation and Community Initiatives
The first estates or homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s were preserved during the late 20th century. Aside from this, the city’s real estate and architecture saw changes in styles, from French, Mediterranean, Tudor, and Colonial to Mid-century modern and Contemporary homes.
Land Preservation and Environmental Efforts
Hillsborough, California, has a long list of policies and programs implemented to ensure the city’s sustainability. Hillsborough has actively engaged in environmental protection efforts for years, including Hillsborough’s California Environmental Protection Act.
Hillsborough Today: A Snapshot of Modern Life
A century later, Hillsborough is still as dashing and exquisite as before. The attributes that made it famous to its founding members and earliest residents still exist today. Hillsborough still exudes exclusivity, sophistication, and excellence.
It is still a haven for people seeking a city’s comforting charm amid the noisy and busy Bay Area.
Lifestyle and Quality of Life in Modern Hillsborough
The great thing about Hillsborough today is that all the hard work done by its founding fathers and mothers resulted in an economic boom. Hillsborough has taken the prestigious residence path.
Because of the population rise, Hillsborough became more family-centered, providing every resident with the education and security needs. The homes are still as gorgeous as ever, with minimal traffic and lush green spaces.
Final Thoughts
Hillsborough has remained in its glory because it is a city dedicated to making visions a reality. Today, Hillsborough symbolizes wealth, history, family, community, and environment. It’s no wonder Hillsborough is a sought-after place in the Bay Area.
For more details about Hillsborough, CA, please feel free to contact us anytime by calling (650) 629-9898 at your earliest convenience. Our team will be glad to assist you in any way we can!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was Hillsborough officially founded?
The city of Hillsborough, CA, was officially founded in 1910.
2. What makes Hillsborough unique compared to other Bay Area areas?
Hillsborough is unique in the Bay Area for its extensive and grand residential estates, strict zoning laws prohibiting commercial businesses, and private atmosphere.
3. What types of architectural styles are most common?
The most common architectural styles in Hillsborough are Tudor Revival, Mediterranean, and Modern.
4. How is Hillsborough working towards sustainability?
Hillsborough strives toward sustainability through various initiatives, including green building standards, composite giveaways, energy efficiency, environmentally preferable purchasing policy, and open space management. It also works to preserve historic landmarks to keep the city’s history and heritage alive and celebrated. Hillsborough, CA, has plenty of sustainability programs.
5. What educational opportunities are available in Hillsborough?
Hillsborough offers excellent educational opportunities, including highly-rated public schools and nearby private institutions like Nueva.
Many families opt to move to Hillsborough because of the excellent quality of education. The Hillsborough City School District has top-notch schools that educate young residents excellently.
