Even though the East Bay city of Fremont is relatively new (it incorporated less than a hundred years ago), the area that now comprises Fremont has enjoyed a long, exciting history. Today, it forms the fourth most populous city in the Bay Area, and is a prized place of residence for companies, commuters, and major industries.

An Ambitious Past

In the 1790s, Mission San Jose was founded by a Spanish priest on the land that now constitutes Fremont, initiating the area’s history of settlement. The settlement thrived through the establishment of nearby Mission Pass as a gateway for American settlers into the Bay Area, an effort led by John C. Fremont, for whom the present-day city is named. The community continued to persevere through major events like the Gold Rush, California’s annexation to the United States, and two major earthquakes in both 1868 and 1906. By the time five townships unified to incorporate into the city of Fremont in 1956, the community had matured into a sturdy, cohesive population that had been strengthened by its trials, and was more than ready to launch a new era of growth and innovation.

Industrial Progression

Up through the mid-twentieth century, Fremont’s economy was primarily agricultural. Its fertile soil and temperate climate made it ideal for growing grapes and olives, and at one time it held the largest winery in California. However, it also became an anchor for other industries; the state’s movie industry was initially begun in Fremont, and manufacturing gradually grew into a stronger and stronger component of the area’s economy. In the 1970s, the dawn of the digital age brought the city into the forefront of the tech industry, where it remains today. Apple’s first Mac computer was manufactured in Fremont, and by 2000 over 700 tech companies operated within the area. The city’s connections to Dumbarton Bridge and Interstates 680 and 880, in addition to access to BART, Amtrak, ACE transit, and three international airports, make it an ideal home for residents who work at companies stationed within the city, or even beyond it. 

Leisure & Recreation

Residents of Fremont have plenty of shopping centers to explore and no end of culinary options to choose from. Though the city does not currently have a designated downtown, plans are underway to develop a unified downtown district in what is considered the Central District; the intention is to create a space where residents can at once live, work, dine, and be entertained. The current vicinity is anchored by the vast expanse of Central Park, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy walking paths and scenic Lake Elizabeth. Adventurers can also investigate the wildlife refuge in the marshlands, or hike towering Mission Peak to glimpse staggering vistas of the Bay Area.

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Because of its size and capabilities, Fremont has developed into an unmistakably large influencer in the progress of Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area as a whole. The city holds the reins for much of the region’s technological advancement, and its high-performing schools and extensive urban amenities create an environment that is every bit as impressive as it is alluring.

Notable Residents—Past and Present

DeAnna Bennett, mixed martial artist

Karen Chen, figure skating champion

Vinod Dham, developer of Intel’s Pentium chip

Yousef Erakat, YouTube personality

Steve Lewis, Olympic track and field champion

Allan Loughead, co-founder of Lockheed Corporation

Pat Tillman, NFL player and war hero

Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic figure skating champion