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Pleasanton, California

An affluent city in the Tri-Valley region east of San Francisco, Pleasanton consistently ranks among the wealthiest and best-educated communities in America. Once home to the Alameda County Fairgrounds since 1912, it boasts the oldest one-mile horse racing track in the country and a charming Main Street that draws visitors from across the Bay Area.

Founded 1850 | Population 80,000 | Peak 80,000 (2024) | County Alameda County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Pleasanton, California

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1850Founded: John Kottinger established a general store, and the town was named for cavalry officer Alfred Pleasonton (misspelled).

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1912County Fair: The Alameda County Fairgrounds were established, featuring the oldest one-mile horse track in America.

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1943Internment: A temporary Japanese American internment assembly center operated at the fairgrounds during World War II.

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1980Tech Growth: Pleasanton became a major corporate hub with companies like Safeway, Workday, and Roche establishing offices.

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2010Top Rankings: Pleasanton ranked among the wealthiest and most educated mid-size cities in the United States.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1850 Culture

Founded

1912 Culture

County Fair

1943 Disaster

Internment

1980 Business

Tech Growth

2010 Culture

Top Rankings

Did You Know?

Safeway/Albertsons HQ.

Alameda County Fair since 1912.

One of wealthiest CA cities.

Pleasanton was founded in 1850.

Pleasanton has a population of approximately 80,000.

Famous People from Pleasanton, California

William E. Moerner

Physicist, Chemist · Born Jun 24, 1953 · Age 72

Greg Christian

Bassist · Born Apr 29, 1966 · Age 59

Ellen Brown

Writer, Lawyer · Born Sep 15, 1945 · Age 80

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