History

Bay Miwok Native Americans were the first to inhabit the Diablo Valley. During this time the land was rich in resources and wildlife. The Bay Miwok's remained the only inhabitants until 1772 when the first spanish explorers and missionaries discovered the valley (Concord Historical Society). The Bay Miwoks would soon be taken in by spanish missionaries to be baptized at Mission San Jose and Mission San Francisco de Asis. 

Diablo Valley

(Concord Historical Society.www.concordhistory.com. 25 August 2013)

The spanish spent the next sixty years exploring the valley. In 1834 Don Salvio a native californian, spanish militiaman and civil servant received the Monte del Diablo land grant. The 17,921 acre grant covered the Diablo Valley all the way to the Walnut Creek Channel (Concord Historical Society). Don Salvio's son was held in charge to occupy the land. 

Rancho Monte del Diablo 

(Concord Historical Society.www.concordhistory.com. 25 August 2013)  

In the 1850's the land brought in demand for goods such as cattle, grain, limes, and coal.In 1868 Don Salvio, his son Fernando and son-in-law Francisco Galindo arranged a town plan for the surrounding area, using Don Salvio's adobe as the center piece (Concord Historical Society). The town's original name was Todos Santos (All Saints), sited diagonally across the road which connected Clayton and its coal fields to the docks at Pacheco (Concord Historical Society). It was only a few months after the name of town was changed to Concord in 1869.

Todo Santos Downtown Map

(Concord Historical Society.www.concordhistory.com. 25 August 2013)

Concord's agriculture industry prospered in the 1870's as it supplied Contra Costa County with goods. 

Fast Forward....

By World War II Concord had a high school, modern hospital, five churches, central plaza, various cinemas, downtown commercial area, homes, and a population of 1,400 (Concord Historical Society). Post war the population grew exponentially. 

Today homes stand in place of the farms and the old downtown now features a multistory skyline. 

Concord, CA

(www.ci.concord.ca.us. 25 August 2013)