The Beautiful Way

Over 200 years in the making, this road not only served as a connection from the Pueblos of downtown San Jose to the Mission Santa Clara de Asis, but it was also the home of the West’s first horsecar railroad. It was the hub of transportation, a center of innovation, served as the home to the wealthy and the worker, but it was also the center of entertainment in San Jose for many years. Locals and travelers flocked to Agricultural Park for everything from bicycle racing, to horse racing, to fairs and exhibitions, and livened up the night with performances at the renowned Fredericksburg Brewing Co.  

The road has gone through many changes throughout the years, but one thing remains the same: it is the center of a vibrant, innovative community and a shopping, dining, and entertainment district for neighbors far and wide. 

Resources:

The Alameda The Beautiful Way by Shannon Clark

Calisphere Historic photographs of The Alameda.

City of San Jose Historic Landmark District (ROW) Information from the City of San Jose on the Right of Way City Landmark Designation.

The Canning Industry in San Jose 2006 Article by Leonard McKay which references Dr. Dawson, the father of fruit packing, who lived with his family at the corner of The Alameda and Taylor where they first began the canning process.

History of the Shasta Hanchett Park Neighborhood by History San Jose

Historic S/HPNA Neighborhood Walking Tour

History San Jose Photographs of The Alameda

Label Legacy History of the Muirson Label Company from History San Jose.