Timeline of San Mateo County History
~1200 B.C. to the 1800's— San Mateo County was populated by Native Americans. Called Costanoans or Ohlones by the Spanish, the San Mateo County tribe was called Ramaytush by their East Bay neighbors.
1585—Pillar Point was charted by Francisco Gali
1769—The expedition led by Captain Gaspar de Portola became the first group of Europeans to set foot in what is now called San Mateo County.
1776—A Spanish expedition camped along a creek flowing into the bay and named the creek and surrounding area after Saint Matthew (San Mateo).
1785—The first Spanish outpost was built in what is now San Mateo County; a mission ranch in Pedro Valley, now part of Pacifica. This ranch was abandoned after an epidemic among the Indians in 1794.
1793—A second outpost was settled in what is now San Mateo, near Baywood Ave and the El Camino Real. This settlement produced salt and was a stopover for travelers. The peninsula was used for cattle and sheep.
1821-1840's—Mexican rule and the secularization act of 1834 brought about the era of the Mexican Ranchos.
1848-1850's—Although almost no gold was found in San Mateo County, the new American Settlers were attracted to the county and quickly bought up old Mexican land grants. The lumber industry thrived as San Francisco's growth created a never-ending demand.
1856—The formation of the City and County of San Francisco created the new County of San Mateo from the peninsula. At the time it was organized San Mateo County had 3,214 inhabitants.
1863—A railroad was built along the bay in San Mateo County
