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California’s First Civilian Settlement: San Jose, founded in 1777 as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, is the oldest civilian settlement in California, predating iconic cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
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The Enigmatic Winchester Mystery House: One of San Jose’s most curious landmarks, the Winchester Mystery House, boasts staircases to nowhere and doors that lead to walls—a product of Sarah Winchester’s belief in keeping spirits at bay.
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California’s First Capital: San Jose held the honor of being the first state capital of California, though it was short-lived, as lawmakers moved it after two years due to its size and inadequate facilities.
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Home of Modern Computing: The IBM Building in San Jose saw the birth of the RAMAC in 1956—the world’s first hard disk drive—revolutionizing modern computing and cementing the city's tech legacy.
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Patent Capital of the U.S.: With more patents per capita than any other U.S. city, San Jose rightfully holds the title “The Capital of Silicon Valley.”
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Peralta Adobe’s Historical Legacy: Built in 1797, the Peralta Adobe is the city’s oldest building, offering a vivid window into San Jose’s Spanish colonial past.
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A Vietnamese Cultural Hub: San Jose hosts the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, celebrating its heritage with vibrant festivals like the annual Tet Festival.
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The Electric Light Tower: In 1881, San Jose constructed one of the world’s first electric light towers, which once stood taller than the Statue of Liberty before collapsing in a 1915 storm.
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Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: San Jose’s museum is home to the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on the West Coast, including mummies and full-scale replicas of ancient tombs.
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Zero-Discharge Innovation: San Jose is a pioneer in environmental sustainability, treating and recycling 100% of its wastewater—a significant achievement for a city of its size.
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Historic Japantown: San Jose’s Japantown is one of only three remaining historic Japantowns in the U.S., offering authentic Japanese cuisine, cultural festivals, and a deep connection to history.
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Largest Urban Trail Network: San Jose boasts one of the largest urban trail networks in the United States, with over 61 miles of scenic paths designed for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation.
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A Global Center for Esports: With venues like the SAP Center hosting international gaming tournaments, San Jose has become a global hotspot for esports, further diversifying its technological prowess.
