The Livermore Valley was originally settled by Costonoan Indians. During the Spanish era the Livermore region was part of Mission San Jose.
Livermore, California was established in 1869 by William Mendenhall who laid the town next to the railroad. It was named for Robert Livermore, an English sailor who settled in the area in 1835. Robert Livermore married Josefa Higuera Molina in 1838. Their home was the Rancho Las Positas which encompassed much of the present day city.

Livermore was the largest and fastest growing city in the region for many years. For much of its history, Livermore has been an agricultural community. Vineyards and ranches continue within and around the city today.
The Livermore Rodeo began in 1918 to raise funds for the Red Cross during World War I. The Livermore Stockmen's Rodeo Association has brought rodeo to Livermore for 77 years.
World War II brought significant changes to the region with the introduction of an air field and a major military base. In 1952, the University of California established what is now called the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to do research on nuclear energy.
Postwar Livermore has grown into an attractive suburban community where high tech industries are increasingly visible.
The Livermore Heritage Guild in Carnegie Park at 3rd and K Streets has an excellent exhibit of Livermore history as well as many publications. One of them is "A Self Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Livermore". The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m. For more information call (925) 449-9927.
Founded in 1869, Livermore is located in the Tri-Valley region East of San Francisco on Interstate 580 providing easy access to both the Central Valley and San Francisco Bay metropolitan area.
Livermore is the epitome of California living with its urban amenities and relaxed lifestyle. Surrounded by vineyards and golden hillsides, yet less than an hour from San Francisco - Livermore is ideally located for trips to the mountains or the ocean. Great hospitality, community spirit, and a sense of history with a tendency towards the futuristic - this is the image of California and an essential part of Livermore's appeal.