1870’s: The New Town Rises

• First businesses form along Salvio Street and around town square.
• American school, first public building, established on Grant Street (demolished in 1892).
• First (of 13) saloons opens.
• First church, Queenof All Saints, opens near corner of Salvio and East Streets in 1876. It would move in 1953.

1880’s: Initial Commercial Growth

• Hotels, blacksmiths, livery stables, banks, and small retail established.
• Fire Hall, the second — now oldest surviving — public building built on Mt. Diablo Street. It would later become City Hall and Police Department and be moved twice.
• Telephone service begins.
• Second church, First Presbyterian, opens near corner of Galindo and Pacheco Streets in 1883. It would move in 1906.
• Third church, First Christian, opens on corner of Fernando (present Concord Blvd.) and Mt. Diablo Street in 1889. It would move in 1955.