Costanoan Indians lived in the area before the arrival in the 1800’s of Don Guillermo Castro, from whom the community got its name. Castro was a soldier and surveyor with the Mexican army who received a land grant of 27,000 acres. The grant encompassed what is now Castro Valley and Hayward.

Castro, a gambler, was forced to sell his land to pay his debts, and he sailed to Chile in 1864. Methodist minister Zachariah Hughes and William Mattox were among those who purchased large tracts from Castro. Several families who settled in the area operated huge cattle and poultry ranches.

This steadily developing suburban community now includes canyon areas that are home to Arabian breeding farms, boarding and training stables and miles of riding trails. Extensively developed and coordinated park systems, a swimming lagoon, a 3 15 acre lake, an 18 hole golf course, community center, senior center, Little Theatre, art gallery, ballparks and tennis courts add to the quality of life in Castro Valley.

More on-line information and history on Castro Valley, can be found at: http://www.mycastrovalley.com/history/