The Santa Clara valley has been an active hub for agriculture, business, and, of course, transportation for nearly than 250 years.
European influences began in the late 1760's with Gaspar de Portolá and later in with the establishment of the Santa Clara Mission in 1777.
The first railroads appeared in California the late 1850s - and among the first was a line between San Francisco and Santa Jose.
Trolley lines - initially drawn by horse and later by electric motor - developed as the Santa Clara valley formed urban centers.