When Did San Jose Become a City?

San Jose was incorporated as a city on March 27, 1850—the same year California achieved statehood (September 9, 1850) as the 31st state.

It was California's first incorporated city and served as the state's first capital (1850–1851) before the legislature moved to Vallejo, then Benicia, finally Sacramento.

Founded in 1777 as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe—California's first civilian settlement—San Jose transitioned from Mexican pueblo to American city during the Gold Rush boom. Today it's the 10th largest U.S. city and Silicon Valley's anchor.