Livermore
The city Livermore was founded in 1869 by William Mendenhall, one of California's first pioneers. Mendenhall named the town after his friend Robert Livermore, a wealthy farmer who had a ranch at Las Positas. Livermore's economy was mainly agricultural and settlers prospered with their cattle farming and vineyards. The success of these farmers made settlers come from all over the world.
In 1876, Livermore had grown to 830 people. Vineyards were planted over a number of acres and helped the economic growth of the community. The soil and climate of Livermore were ideal for wine making and helped put the small town on the map. After the second World War, two research laboratories were built. They brought a huge increase in the population and made Livermore into the successful city it is today.