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Gilroy, California

Located in Santa Clara County, California, Gilroy was established in 1870. Known as the 'Garlic Capital of the World.'. A mass shooting at the 2019 Garlic Festival killed 3.
Founded 1870 | Population 61,000 | Peak 61,000 (2024) | County Santa Clara County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Gilroy, California

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1870Founded: Gilroy was founded as a railroad town in Santa Clara County.
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1884Railroad Era: Railroad connections spurred growth and commerce in Gilroy.
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1979Garlic Festival: Gilroy Garlic Festival begins.
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1990Economic Development: Gilroy grew through the technology sector.
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2019Festival Shooting: Mass shooting at festival.
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Complete Historical Timeline

1870 Culture
Founded
1884 Transport
Railroad Era
1979 Culture
Garlic Festival
1990 Industry
Economic Development
2019 Crime
Festival Shooting

Did You Know?

1
Known as the 'Garlic Capital of the World.'.
2
A mass shooting at the 2019 Garlic Festival killed 3.
3
You can smell garlic in the air when driving through.
4
Gilroy is located in Santa Clara County, California.
5
Gilroy was founded in 1870.

Famous People from Gilroy, California

IA
Ivie Anderson
Singer, Jazz Singer · Born Jul 10, 1905 · Died Dec 28, 1949 (age 44)
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Robert Guerrero
Boxer · Born Mar 27, 1983 · Age 42
JG
Jeff Garcia
American Football Player, Canadian Football Player · Born Feb 24, 1970 · Age 56
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