At the end of the second millenium, grunge + hip-hop took over the radio stations, “Titanic” became the first billion dollar box office hit, and the internet was in its infant days — but what was going on in the great 408 at the time?
We’re back with another decade of San Jose’s history, and this time, we’re traveling back to the 1990s.
📈 Population: 782,225
🗳️ Mayors: Tom McEnery (1983-1991), Susan Hammer (1991-1999)
1990 — San Jose Mineta Airport’s new Terminal A opened.
1991 — The San Jose Sharks began play at the Cow Palace. Moffett Field hosted the Navy Air Show, attracting 1 million people. Construction began on the San Jose Arena (now-SAP Center).
1992 — Mark’s Hot Dogs became a San Jose Historical Landmark. The Chinmaya Mission San Jose was founded.
1993 — The now-SAP Center opened. San Jose Mercury News hosted its 16th Annual 10K Race & 5K Walk. Plaza Park was renamed Plaza de Cesar Chavez. The historic Fallon House opened to the public.
1994 — The Southern Pacific Depot was restored + renamed Diridon Station. The Plumed Serpent was installed at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Steve Harwell (RIP) + drummer Kevin Coleman founded Smash Mouth.
1995 — The Guadalupe River flooded Highway 87 Santa Clara Street underpass, submerging landmarks like the SAP Center, De Anza Hotel, and Henry’s Hi-Life in about ~4 ft of water.
1996 — The San Jose Clash played its inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
1997 — The Portuguese Historical Museum opened. Disney’s “Flubber,” which starred Robin Williams and included scenes of San Jose State + the Rose Garden neighborhood, was released.
1998 — The Tech Interactive opened. History San José was incorporated as an independent nonprofit.
1999 — MLS renamed Clash as the San Jose Earthquakes. Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, Barry Manilow, and the Backstreet Boys held concerts at the then-San Jose Arena.
