Fremont Through the Years: 7 Fun Facts for 70 Years

As we kick off Fremont's 70th celebration, we invite you to rewind the clock and explore the City's history through our "7 Fun Facts for 70 Years" series. While it is impossible to tell Fremont's whole story, these fun facts highlight something unique about each of our districts. From ancient mammoth fossils and natural hot springs to legendary athletes and iconic film sets, Fremont's history truly has a little bit of everything.

Join us in celebrating Fremont's 70th anniversary at our upcoming event on January 23, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Downtown Event Center and Plaza, 3500 Capitol Ave. View additional details.

7 Facts for 70 Years

Athletic Greatness is Rooted in Centerville

From local high school sports heroes to global icons, Fremont's Centerville District has served as home base to many accomplished athletes throughout history.

The athletic legacy of Centerville began long before the area became the City of Fremont. In fact, tennis legend Helen Wills was born in Centerville in 1905. Known as one of the greatest female tennis players ever, she won 31 Grand Slam Titles and two gold medals at the 1924 Paris Olympics.

The prowess of Centerville continues today. DeAndre Carter, a current NFL wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, graduated from Washington High School in 2011, joining other notable alumni from the school, including MLB left fielder Steven Kwan and MLB pitcher Dennis Eckersley. Even renowned 49ers coach Bill Walsh got his start in Centerville, coaching the Washington High School football and swimming teams.

Niles - The Birthplace of California's Film Industry

While Hollywood is known as the heart of filmmaking, Fremont's Niles District played a starring role in the history of silent films. In fact, Niles became one of California's very first homes to the motion picture industry.

Legendary actor, director, and screenwriter Charlie Chaplin filmed several movies here - including his iconic classic The Tramp. Today, Niles' historic district remains a living piece of cinema history, with many original buildings standing for over a century.

Among them is the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, which once hosted some of the biggest names in silent film. The historic site continues to share their stories with visitors from around the world, showing silent movies every Saturday night.

When Mammoths Roamed Irvington

Believe it or not, mammoths once walked right through Fremont! In fact, between the 1940s and 1960s, a group of curious young explorers discovered evidence of these ancient giants when they unearthed fossils, offering a glimpse into Fremont's prehistoric past.

Today, you can see these incredible discoveries on display at the Wes Gordon Fossil Hall, part of the Children's Natural History Museum in Fremont. The museum is home to hundreds of fossils found in the area, showcasing everything from ancient mammoths to saber-toothed cats and other Ice Age creatures.

These fossils are an important part of Fremont's history-in fact, one of the official North American Land Mammal Ages is named the "Irvingtonian" after the Irvington District, recognizing its significance as a local fossil site.

A Home for Innovation & Tranquility

Looking around Warm Springs today, you'll see plenty of activity from mixed-use and transit-oriented developments to Tesla's Fremont Factory. But did you know that prior to becoming a bustling part of the City of Fremont, Warm Springs was instead known for tranquility?
In fact, the region used to consist of hot springs. Hence, the name Warm Springs!

The Ohlone People originally used the area's warm waters for medicinal purposes, and in 1850, an entrepreneur bought the land and built a vineyard and spa, which became a popular resort until an earthquake destroyed the building in 1868.

Warm Springs soon joined the four other townships to form Fremont nearly 70 years ago and has since transformed into the innovative district we know and love today.

The Sole Surviving Mission San Jose Structure

Did you know that the only surviving structure from 1809 in Mission San Jose is the Mission San Jose Museum? Once used as the monastery wing and sleeping quarter for the padres, the Museum, which withstood the 1868 earthquake, now houses artifacts from the Ohlone People as well as religious objects from the Franciscan period.

Mission San Jose joined four other townships to form Fremont in 1956.

Downtown's The New Kid on the Block

While Fremont was founded in 1956, it wasn't until 56 years later in 2012 that the City approved the framework for its newest district - Downtown. Unlike other cities with historic downtowns, Fremont has built ours from the ground up. In less than 15 years, the City's Downtown District has become a vibrant hub, home to 15,000 residents and 50,000 employees within a one-mile radius.

Meet the Founders of Ardenwood Historic Farm

Did you know that we can thank the gold rush for Ardenwood Historic Farm? In 1849, George Patterson left the Midwest to try his luck as a gold miner. But after falling ill, he had to abandon his mining dreams and instead pursue farming.

And he became very successful - acquiring nearly 6,000 acres of land and becoming one of the region's richest individuals.

The Patterson House at Ardenwood Historic Farm, which was home to three generations of the Patterson family, still stands today as a symbol of his contributions and significance to the region.

** Information of this page was pulled from multiple sources.