For over 130 years, Danville's history has been one of change and growth.
Often referred to as the "Heart of the San Ramon Valley," Danville was first populated by Indians
who lived next to the creeks and camped on Mount Diablo in the summer. Later it was part of Mission
San Jose's grazing land and a Mexican land grant called Rancho San Ramon. With a population of
approximately 43,250, Danville is known for its small-town atmosphere and its outstanding quality of life.
The Danville Post Office opened in 1860 with hotel owner Henry W. Harris as the first postmaster.
Settlers raised cattle and sheep and grew wheat, barley and onions. Later the farms produced hay, a wide
variety of fruit crops (apples, plums, pears), walnuts and almonds.
A remarkable number of early Danville buildings remain today such as the houses belonging to the Boone, Osborn, Young, Spilker, Podva, Vecki, Root, Elliott and Hartz families.
After 130 years, the small settlement on the banks of the Creek has grown from a blacksmith shop
to a thriving community - still changing, still beautiful and still special.
Danville was first populated by Indians who lived next to the creeks and camped on Mount
Diablo in the summer. Later it was part of Mission San Jose's grazing land and a Mexican land grant
called Rancho San Ramon.
Danville was first populated by Indians who lived next to the creeks and camped on Mount
Diablo in the summer. Later it was part of Mission San Jose's grazing land and a Mexican land grant
called Rancho San Ramon.
