The area known today as the City of Alameda (a Spanish name chosen by popular vote in 1853, meaning "grove of poplar trees") is part of a former Spanish land grant stretching from San Leandro to Berkeley, and given to Luis Peralta in 1818, by the Governor of California. Subsequently, Peralta gave this land to his son, Antonio Peralta.

Park Street, date unknown

WW Chipman and Gideon Aughinbaugh, enterprising young men, were the first American settlers to arrive in Alameda. Their pursuits led to the establishment of a large peach orchard signaling the beginning of the area's development. Subsequently, Chipman and Aughinbaugh purchased the Alameda land (then a peninsula) for the sum of $14,000.

On December 27, 1884, the City of Alameda was formally organized and on January 18, 1885, the Official Seal was approved and adopted. Its Latin inscription "Prosperitas terra mari que", freely translates as: "prosperity from the land and sea". The Island of Alameda was created in 1902 when a tidal canal ( the "Estuary") was created joining Oakland's harbor with the San Leandro Bay. With this move, Alameda was put on the map as an important shipping port.

One of the "Red Cars" on Encinal Avenue, near the Chestnut Street Station, photo date unknown

Alameda is a charter city (California has 444 cities: 82 charter and 362 general law), and as such has the power to make and enforce ordinances and regulations in respect to its "municipal affairs" subject only to restrictions and limitations provided in its charter (Sec. 5, Article XI State Constitution). In comparison, a general law city is governed principally by the general law of the state. In 1917, Alameda along with six other California Cities, pioneered the Council-Manager form of government. The system proved so effective that virtually all California cities have since adopted this form of government. The City's present charter was adopted in 1937, (last revised and updated in 1998) and created Alameda's Civil Service System.

Today, Alameda's elected officials, City staff, volunteer Boards and Commissions and special committees work together to preserve and enhance the quality of life Alamedans have enjoyed for more than a century. Resplendent Victorian homes grace shade tree-lined streets covering the island's 12.4 square miles. An invigorating climate, manicured parks, historical business districts and numerous recreational opportunities offer Alameda's 72,259 residents (according to the 2000 Census) special living environment.

Next: Alameda City Hall