History of Campbell
Campbell is a charming community that offers its residents an unparalleled quality of life. Community events, recreational activities and a variety of churches and places of worship make Campbell a great home base.
With its wonderful mild climate, excellent schools and small-town atmosphere, Campbell remains one of the hidden jewels of the Bay Area. Located in Santa Clara County, southeast of the San Francisco Bay and just southwest of San Jose, Campbell has access to all the big city amenities while retaining its small town appeal.
The city of Campbell was founded by a true pioneer, Benjamin Campbell, who arrived in 1846. The historic heart of the city is located on the original 160 acre ranch property which he purchased in 1851.
Benjamin started his farming career by planting hay and grain. Later, he and his wife, Mary Rucker Campbell, subdivided acreage to create a town and railroad station stop in 1887. He and his wife had the foresight to realize that fruit from newly planted orchards would one day need to be shipped. They also knew residents would need a post office so they worked to establish one, the first being located in their own home.
The convenience of rail transport caused major canneries and fruit drying ventures to be located by the tracks. Both Ainsley and Hyde canneries became centers for packing and shipping fruit. Buildings of the Hyde cannery remain today south of Orchard City Drive in the downtown area. The Ainsley House on Orchard City Green stands as an example of the wealth accumulated from the fruit industry.
The hundreds of workers employed in the fruit orchards and canneries demanded services in addition to grocery stores. As a result, the Bank of Campbell opened in 1895. The building still stands on the northeast corner of Campbell Avenue at Central Avenue. Diagonally across the street, the 1911 bank building remains and is currently used as a restaurant. Other historic buildings may also be seen in the downtown core.
With the development of business, a Board of Trade was established in 1898, eventually becoming the Campbell Chamber of Commerce in 1925. Through the years the chamber has sponsored a variety of activities, such as parades and festivals, which call attention to the many positive aspects of living and doing business in the Campbell community.
One of Campbell’s most memorable events occurred in 1903, when President Theodore Roosevelt came to town to plant a redwood tree. An offshoot of the tree located at the Community Center is still stands. Each December, Campbell commemorate the President’s visit by hosting the Carol of Lights.
From the very beginning, Campbell has been shaped by the standards of its various church congregations. Today, ecumenical gatherings are held annually at Thanksgiving and on Good Friday where members of different faiths come together for the betterment of all.
From its earliest beginnings Campbell was a literary community. The Country Woman’s Club, organized in 1905, provided a building to house the library in town, while other service clubs provided for the needs of local residents.
With the encroachment of surrounding cities, residents supported incorporation in 1952. There was not much money to support the newly formed city. The only building the city had in those early years was Fire House No. 1, which still stands today on Central Avenue by Civic Center Drive. In this small building the city clerk, police and fire departments coexisted. The Congregational Church, built in 1892, was considered the second city facility in 1956. City Hall remained where it was until the bond issue of 1967 provided the dollars needed to build the current City Hall.
Campbell no longer has orchards and canneries, but instead tranquil subdivisions provide a variety of housing options for residents, and a balanced group of businesses provide employment opportunities. Within the incorporated boundaries of Campbell where history is alive and treasured live approximately 40,161 residents.