ROOTED HERE
Behind the downtown streets.
A whole city’s story.
Concord's central plaza, independent restaurants and East Bay neighborhoods give the city a local rhythm beyond the commute.
People made the city.
These milestones are an introduction, not a complete local history. Follow the linked city and museum sources to explore the people and places behind them.Read the local historical account.
Watch the city’s history
FROM THE ARCHIVES
The history of Concord, California
A local history film shared by World History Official tv.
Watch on YouTube ↗- 1834
Rancho Monte del Diablo
The Mexican government granted Rancho Monte del Diablo to Salvio Pacheco.
Concord city reference ↗ - 1869
Todos Santos is founded
Salvio Pacheco founded the community under the name Todos Santos, remembered today by the central plaza.
Concord city reference ↗ - 1872
The first post office
The first Concord post office opened.
Concord city reference ↗ - 1905
City incorporation
Concord incorporated on February 5.
Concord city reference ↗ - 1944
Port Chicago disaster
A massive explosion at the naval loading pier killed 320 sailors, merchant seamen, and civilian workers.
Concord city reference ↗
See the history for yourself.
Walk downtown to see surviving commercial architecture, then explore the Historical Preservation Society’s museum and visiting information. Check current opening dates before setting out. Historical Preservation Society.
For deeper research, the Concord library resources is a starting point for archival material and research help. Historic photographs have their own permissions; we link to the collection instead of treating every old image as free to reuse.
Selected milestones researched September 13, 2026. This is an introduction, not a complete account of the city’s history.