Los Altos would never have existed if not for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Since the 1850s; Los Altos; Spanish for "heights" or "foothills;" was the name generally applied to the two ranchos (San Antonio and La Purisima Concepcion) between Palo Alto and Mountain View southwest of El Camino Real. In 1906; visionaries Paul Shoup; who worked for the railroad; and Walter Clark; a Mountain View real estate developer; saw the potential to turn Sarah Winchesters ranch near Stanford University into an ideal San Francisco suburb. They would capitalize on new commuters--those who wanted to live in comfort in the country but work in the city. Slowly; a new town grew in influence well beyond its original Altos Land Company plat; realizing tremendous post-World War II expansion. Now two communities solidly embedded in Silicon Valley; Los Altos and Los Altos Hills share a school system; downtown shopping; libraries; and water system; as well as a history of interesting people.
#1124754 in eBooks 2009-08-24 2009-08-24File Name: B009ACMZQ6
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy david szilagyigood book for those interested in this subject0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Winner and great researchBy Beverly C. TylerGreat history and thorough! There is a lot to see and even more to learn in this local history book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. THE LV!!!By madThis is a fine collection of photos and commentary of the Lehigh Valley in New Jersey. The photos are great and rare.You sure can tell that much work has been put into this book. A fine book! Thank you Mr. Heiss
