| 7. Silicon Valley |
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Defense
Industry
The Cold War era after World War II saw a major transformation
in Santa Clara. New industries started in the valley to
develop defense technology. Radio, radar, missiles and
electric circuits replaced agriculture as the primary
industry. Research conducted at Stanford University and
in corporations expanded technology into new uses. An
educated and growing labor force came to support this
industry.
Housing Boom
Santa Clara experienced an unprecedented housing boom
after World War II as veterans and their families came
to the City for job opportunities and low cost land. Agricultural
tracts were annexed to the City and developed with housing
subdivisions featuring single family ranch style homes.
The population grew from 6,650 residents in 1940 to 58,850
in 1960. By its Sesquicentennial in 2002, Santa Clara
had grown to a population of 104,300.
High
Technology Growth
Since the late 1960s, the technology industry has
been the primary force behind Santa Clara's growth. Many
large international corporations located their headquarters
here including Intel, National Semiconductor and Applied
Materials. Santa Clara firms develop and build microprocessors,
computer software and hardware, communication products,
and biotechnology. Silicon Valley, with Santa Clara at
its center, is known throughout the world. |
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| Santa Clara in 2002 |
| Santa Clara in 2002 is very different from the
small town that was incorporated in 1852. The orchards are gone,
replaced by homes, schools, places of worship, shopping centers,
and industry. Beautiful parks and many public facilities add
to the City's quality of life. In 2001, Santa Clara was named
an All-America City. It may be larger, but in many ways Santa
Clara is still the "Valley Of Heart's Delight." |
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| Sesquicentennial |
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