Nestled in the heart of a dramatic natural amphitheater formed by the Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Gatos serves as the gateway from the Santa Clara Valley to the Pacific Ocean. This happy accident of location allowed historic Los Gatos to witness a colorful parade of swashbuckling explorers, Franciscan padres, and hearty American pioneers, many of whom came to harvest virgin redwood forests from the mountains and grow fruit in exceptionally fertile soil. Los Gatos grew up around the 1850s flour mill established by Scotsman James Alexander Forbes. In 1878 the railroad arrived and was a powerful influence for more than 80 years. Named for the mountain lions that still inhabit the area, Los Gatos has reflected the expansive richness of the California Dream for 150 years.

Los Gatos (CA) (Images of America)

Arts & Photography

Conaway, Peggy

Photography & Video

Arcadia Publishing

The picturesque town of Los Gatos stands between the once verdant orchards of the Santa Clara Valley and the forested slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The narrow-gauge South Pacific Coast Railroad arrived in 1878 and, within two years, laid track over the mountains to carry passengers, redwood, and tons of ripe produce. Less than a decade later it was purchased by Southern Pacific, and completely converted to standard gauge by 1909. Invigorating business and industry, the railroad remained a vital part of the economy of Los Gatos for over 80 years. Although the era of commercial rail ended in 1959, Billy Jones and his scaled-down Wildcat Railroad" still offered weekend rides at his ranch to guests, including Walt Disney. The Wildcat still operates in two local parks today."

Railroads of Los Gatos (Images of Rail)

Kelley, Edward

From its beginnings as a Mexican land grant, Los Gatos has been filled with promise. A beautiful natural setting attracted a fascinating population of innovators, inventors, intellectuals, and artists; those who dreamed and those who cultivated the splendid richness of the soil. A gracious integration of fruit, flowers, and a gentle, delightful climate allowed settlers to thrive and find sure success. Inevitable tragedy and troubles also beset the little settlement at the western edge of the country, especially a series of devastating fires and episodes of raw frontier violence in the 1880s. Yet through all of its history, Los Gatos has prided itself on its strong sense of community, each generation proud of its heritage and of what they accomplished. A gathering of talent graced each decade―hopeful, hardworking people who appreciated the unique combination of an ideal place and abundant opportunity existent in their corner of the “Valley of Hearts Delight.”

Los Gatos Generations (CA) (Images of America)

Nestled in the heart of a dramatic natural amphitheater formed by the Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Gatos serves as the gateway from the Santa Clara Valley to the Pacific Ocean. This happy accident of location allowed historic Los Gatos to witness a colorful parade of swashbuckling explorers, Franciscan padres, and hearty American pioneers, many of whom came to harvest virgin redwood forests from the mountains and grow fruit in exceptionally fertile soil. Los Gatos grew up around the 1850s flour mill established by Scotsman James Alexander Forbes. In 1878 the railroad arrived and was a powerful influence for more than 80 years. Named for the mountain lions that still inhabit the area, Los Gatos has reflected the expansive richness of the California Dream for 150 years.

Los Gatos

History

Americas

Arcadia Publishing Library Editions

The picturesque town of Los Gatos stands between the once verdant orchards of the Santa Clara Valley and the forested slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The narrow-gauge South Pacific Coast Railroad arrived in 1878 and, within two years, laid track over the mountains to carry passengers, redwood, and tons of ripe produce. Less than a decade later it was purchased by Southern Pacific, and completely converted to standard gauge by 1909. Invigorating business and industry, the railroad remained a vital part of the economy of Los Gatos for over 80 years. Although the era of commercial rail ended in 1959, Billy Jones and his scaled-down Wildcat Railroad" still offered weekend rides at his ranch to guests, including Walt Disney. The Wildcat still operates in two local parks today."

Railroads of Los Gatos

From its beginnings as a Mexican land grant, Los Gatos has been filled with promise. A beautiful natural setting attracted a fascinating population of innovators, inventors, intellectuals, and artists; those who dreamed and those who cultivated the splendid richness of the soil. A gracious integration of fruit, flowers, and a gentle, delightful climate allowed settlers to thrive and find sure success. Inevitable tragedy and troubles also beset the little settlement at the western edge of the country, especially a series of devastating fires and episodes of raw frontier violence in the 1880s. Yet through all of its history, Los Gatos has prided itself on its strong sense of community, each generation proud of its heritage and of what they accomplished. A gathering of talent graced each decade--hopeful, hardworking people who appreciated the unique combination of an ideal place and abundant opportunity existent in their corner of the "Valley of Hearts Delight."

Los Gatos Generations

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