Alisal, Pleasanton, California facts for kids

Alisal, also known as El Alisal (which means "The Sycamores"), was an early settlement in California. It was located on the lands of the Rancho Santa Rita, near an old Native American village. One of the first houses in the Livermore Valley was built here in 1844, called El Alisal. Even though the name suggests "sycamore," the Spanish word "aliso" actually means "alder" in English.

What Was Alisal Like?

Alisal earned the nickname "The Most Desperate Town in the West." It was situated along a famous trail called La Vereda del Monte. This trail became a hiding spot for outlaws and bandits after the California Gold Rush began.

The Wild West Era

During this time, it was common to see shootouts on Main Street. Bandits like Claudio Feliz and Joaquin Murrieta would often ambush gold prospectors returning from the gold fields. After their ambushes, they would seek safety and refuge in Alisal. Later, in the 1860s and 1870s, other famous outlaws such as Procopio and Narciso Bojorques also found shelter there.

How Alisal Grew and Changed

In the late 1860s, the railroad industry was booming. This led to the large Rancho Santa Rita being divided into smaller pieces of land.

A New Town is Planned

In 1869, two men named J.W. Kottinger and J.A. Neal each planned and laid out a new town. They called this new settlement Alisal. It was located about five miles south of the town of Dublin. By 1878, Alisal had grown into a small town with about 500 people, though it wasn't officially part of a larger city yet.

Becoming Part of Pleasanton

Alisal eventually became part of the city of Pleasanton, California. Pleasanton was founded later, in 1894.