The Basics

Gilroy is famous as the Garlic Capital of the World, home of the world famous Gilroy Garlic Festival. Gilroy also gives visitors a friendly, small town character with affordable places to stay, great restaurants, wineries, breweries, world class shopping, attractions and recreational opportunities for the whole family.

History of Gilroy

The first inhabitants in this valley were the Ohlone Indians. You can visit the site of an ancient Ohlone Village at Chitactac Adams Park.

Spanish colonization began in the mid – 1700’s with the establishment of missions and then in the 1800’s with two land grants, the Las Animas and the San Ysidro, which divided the area into large ranches.

In 1814, Scotsman John Cameron arrived in Monterey and in 1817 he adopted his mother’s maiden name becoming Juan Bautista Gilroy. He was employed as a barrel maker at Rancho San Ysidro and in 1821 married Clara Ortega, daughter of the San Ysidro owner. In 1850 a flood of pioneer settlers entered the valley and began stock raising and grain farming.

The Town of Gilroy was officially incorporated in 1870 becoming the largest community in Santa Clara County with a brewery, flouring mill and a distillery. The railroad arrived in 1869 making the community the hub of South Santa Clara County.

From hay and grain in the 1860’s to tobacco in 1870’s to dairy and cheese to finally prunes in the 1920’s, Gilroy’s land has proven to be fertile ground for farmers and ranchers. Japanese farmers arrived in Gilroy following World War I bringing with them the fortuitous garlic crop. Today Gilroy is known as the Garlic Capital of the World.

Visit the Gilroy Museum for more information on the interesting stories which make up the history of Gilroy. 195 Fifth Street (408) 848-0470

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Other Web Sites About Gilroy

			Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

			Gilroy Economic Development Corporation

			City of Gilroy

			Downtown Gilroy

			Gilroy Foundation