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The original residents of San Carlos were a tribe of Native Americans known as Lamchins. Despite their professed separate identity, today’s viewpoint is they were part of the Ohlone or Costanoan tribes.
Over time, foreigners began arriving in the area, bringing about many changes.
For example, in 1769, when the Spanish arrived, they translated Pulgas into fleas, which became known as “las Pulgas.” Eventually, the main thoroughfare, Alameda de las Pulgus, became known as the “avenue of the fleas.”
The Native Americans were primarily self-sustaining hunters and lived off the land. What they could not secure on their own, they were able to by developing trade relationships with other local tribes.
The area where they lived is thought to have been between Alameda de las Pulgas and Cordilleras, near San Carlos Avenue.
Eventually, more explorers began to arrive. The first was Gaspar de Portola, who, as indicated, came in 1769. Historians differ on Portola’s route to San Carlos. Some think his trek from the Pacific Ocean took him to Belmont, while others believe it was San Carlos.
Being much more powerful with weapons and other assets, the Spanish soon dominated the Peninsula and subsequently, the Bay Area.
The Spanish missionaries soon went to work spreading Christianity. In time, the Lamchins were officially baptized at Mission Dolores in San Francisco, which took place in 1777. Eventually, such practice ended, and the last to be baptized took place in 1794.
Subsequently, the land was divided into large rancheros by the wealthy Spaniards.
When the Gold Rush began in the mid-1850s, the area became dominated by white settlers, eventually leading to San Carlos becoming the “City of Good Living” it is today.
Everything else is just history
Hi Dan,
Great article. We lived in San Carlos for 18 years and it was interesting to read more about the city’s history. I’m writing because Mission Dolores is misspelled. Dolores is with an “o” not an “e”. My first name is Dolores. I know there are a few ladies who spell their name with an “e” but not many.
Dee Eva