Santa Cruz County

Native Americans have lived in the San Francisco Bay area for over 10,000 years. Rather than a single nation, they lived in many independent tribes and spoke different languages. The various tribes are generally referred to as one group called the Ohlone or Costanoan. In 1769, Spain expanded their territory north of Mexico and established military garrisons (Presidios), Franciscan missions (Missions), and civil settlements (Pueblos). They reached the San Francisco Bay area in 1776. Mission Santa Cruz was established in September 1791 and the Branciforte pueblo was founded in 1797. In 1821, Mexico was declared an independent state. In 1846, the United States took possession of Northern California during the Mexican-American war and established a military territory. California was admitted to the United States on September 9, 1850.

Santa Cruz County was one of the original counties when California was admitted to the U.S. It's original name was Branciforte County but within two months of statehood, the name was changed to Santa Cruz. A northern portion of the County was annexed in 1868 by San Mateo County. The county seat is the City of Santa Cruz.

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