The Los Altos History Museum, founded in 2001, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Los Altos and the surrounding areas. One of the most intriguing exhibits is the "Crown of the Peninsula," which explores the region's development from a rural agricultural community to a modern suburban area. The museum is located in one of the few remaining apricot orchards in the area, a nod to its agricultural past. The J. Gilbert Smith House, built in 1905, is part of the museum complex and provides a glimpse into early 20th-century life.
Moffett Field, established in 1933, was originally built as a naval air station for the USS Macon, a rigid airship intended for reconnaissance missions. The field is home to the iconic Hangar One, one of the world's largest freestanding structures. During World War II, Moffett Field played a crucial role in anti-submarine patrols along the Pacific Coast. It was later transferred to NASA in 1994 and became part of the Ames Research Center, where significant advancements in aeronautics and space exploration were made. The field also hosts the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum, which houses a rich collection of artifacts and exhibits related to its aviation history.
Sunnyvale was officially incorporated in 1912 but has roots that go back to the Rancho Pastoria de las Borregas land grant given to Francisco Estrada in 1842. One lesser-known fact about Sunnyvale is that it was once the site of a significant fruit processing industry, particularly for dried apricots and prunes. The Joshua Hendy Iron Works, which moved to Sunnyvale in 1906, was a critical supplier of mining equipment and later contributed to the war effort during World War II by manufacturing torpedoes. Sunnyvale is also home to the first-ever prototype of the video game Pong, created by Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell in 1972. The city is part of what is now known as Silicon Valley and has attracted numerous tech companies, including Yahoo!, LinkedIn, and Google.
All three of these locations - Los Altos, Moffett Field, and Sunnyvale - offer unique glimpses into the dynamic history and evolution of California’s Santa Clara Valley, from agricultural roots to technological hub.