Burlingame

Founding and Early History

The history of Burlingame begins long before its official establishment as a city. Originally, these lands were part of a vast Mexican land grant. The territory received its modern name in honor of the famous diplomat Anson Burlingame, who visited the area in 1866. Charmed by the beauty of the landscape and the mild climate, he purchased a large plot of land to create a country estate.

Although the diplomat's construction plans were never fully realized, the name stuck. Burlingame gained official city status in 1908, when local residents voted for incorporation to maintain local control and the settlement's unique character.

Key Factors in its Development

Burlingame's evolution from a summer colony into a thriving city was driven by a combination of geographical and historical circumstances:

• Geography and Climate: Its location on the San Francisco Peninsula provided protection from ocean fog and winds, creating weather that was sunnier and warmer than in the neighboring metropolis.
• The 1906 Earthquake: This event served as a powerful catalyst for population growth. Many wealthy San Francisco residents whose homes were damaged moved south in search of safety and tranquility, turning temporary summer cottages into permanent residences.
• The Railroad: The presence of a train station allowed residents to easily commute to work in San Francisco, cementing Burlingame's status as a prestigious suburb.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Burlingame developed as an elite community. The first country club in California (Burlingame Country Club) was opened here, becoming a hub for high society. The early economy was built around serving the needs of wealthy residents and developing a comfortable urban environment.

A unique cultural feature of the city was its commitment to urban forestry. Even during the early planning stages, at the initiative of local authorities and activists, thousands of trees—mostly elms and eucalyptus—were planted along the streets. This tradition continues today, earning Burlingame the nickname "City of Trees."

Timeline of Key Events

• 1866: Diplomat Anson Burlingame purchases a vast tract of land on the Peninsula, marking the beginning of the settlement's history.
• 1893: The Burlingame Country Club is founded, becoming the first country club in the state of California and a center of attraction for the elite.
• 1894: The iconic Mission Revival style train station is built; it remains in operation to this day.
• 1906: Following the devastating San Francisco earthquake, the town's population grows rapidly as people seek safe housing.
• 1908: Burlingame officially incorporates as a city to maintain independence from neighboring San Mateo.
• 1909: An ordinance is passed prohibiting the cutting of trees and initiating a large-scale planting program, turning the city into an urban forest.
• 1923: Burlingame High School opens, with its building becoming an architectural landmark of the area.
• 1978: The historic train station building is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
• 1986: The Burlingame Hillsborough History Museum opens, located within the historic train station.
• 2008: The city celebrates its centennial with a series of festivities and parades.
• 2014: A major renovation of Burlingame Avenue, the main shopping street, is completed, making it more pedestrian-friendly.

Stages of Modern Development and Economic Growth

While Burlingame began the 20th century as an elite "bedroom community," the latter half of the century and the beginning of the 21st saw the city transform into an independent economic center. Its proximity to key transport arteries and strategic zoning allowed for the creation of unique commercial clusters.

• The "Auto Row" Phenomenon. In the mid-20th century, one of the region's most prestigious automotive clusters began to form along the historic El Camino Real. The concentration of luxury and premium car dealerships became a vital source of tax revenue, cementing the city's status as a high-end commercial hub.
• Infrastructure Symbiosis with SFO. The post-war boom in civil aviation and the expansion of the neighboring San Francisco International Airport stimulated development in the city's bayfront area. A major hotel cluster emerged here, serving transit passengers, airline crews, and business travelers, which helped diversify the local economy.
• Burlingame Avenue Renovation. In the 2010s, the city implemented a large-scale project to modernize its main shopping street. Widened sidewalks, updated street furniture, and landscape design attracted major international brands and fine-dining restaurants, turning the street into a Peninsula-wide destination that competes with San Francisco's shopping centers.
• Corporate Sector Growth. Thanks to its convenient logistics, Burlingame has become home to the headquarters of many companies in recent decades, particularly in the logistics, aviation, and biotechnology sectors. The shift from a purely residential model to a mixed-use one has created jobs directly within the city.
• Focus on Transit-Oriented Development. In recent years, urban planning policy has shifted toward higher-density development around transit hubs. The emergence of modern mixed-use residential complexes near the Caltrain station reflects the contemporary trend of reducing car dependency and creating a more dynamic urban environment.

Architectural Appearance and Stylistic Features

The architecture of Burlingame is a harmonious blend of early 20th-century historical heritage and functional modern design. The city's urban planning concept was largely based on the "garden city" movement, prioritizing lush greenery and the organic integration of residential neighborhoods into the natural landscape. The city's streets often eschew a strict geometric grid in favor of gentle curves that wind around century-old trees.

Key Architectural Styles and Eras

The city's architecture clearly reflects its transformation from an elite summer colony to a prestigious San Francisco suburb:

• Mission Revival: The dominant style at the turn of the 20th century, which became Burlingame's architectural signature. It is characterized by clay tile roofs, arched galleries, white stucco walls, and decorative gables that reference California's Spanish colonial past.
• Tudor Revival and English Cottage: During the rapid residential growth of the 1920s and 1930s (for example, in the Easton Addition), homes styled after old-world Europe became popular, featuring half-timbered elements, massive chimneys, and steeply pitched roofs.
• American Craftsman (Craftsman/Bungalow): A common style for private residences in the first half of the 20th century. These cozy homes are known for their low-pitched roofs, wide overhanging eaves, exposed rafters, and the use of natural wood and stone.
• Mid-Century Modern: This style is prominently featured in commercial and hotel developments from the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in the area adjacent to the airport and along the historic El Camino Real.

Iconic Buildings Shaping the City's Identity

Several key structures set the architectural tone for the entire city and serve as landmarks for residents and tourists alike:

• Burlingame Train Station (1894): A textbook example of the Mission Revival style. The architecture of this building, with its characteristic tile roof, defined the "Spanish" direction for the development of the city's public buildings.
• Burlingame High School: A monumental 1920s complex combining elements of Classicism and Italian Renaissance. The building is a neighborhood landmark and an example of the high quality of educational architecture of that era.
• Kohl Mansion: A grand red-brick Tudor Revival residence built in 1914. Known as "The Oaks," the building resembles an English castle and is now used for hosting gala events.

Famous Residents and Historical Figures

Thanks to its status as a prestigious suburb and its high quality of life, Burlingame has been home to many distinguished individuals—from 19th-century diplomats to modern-day Hollywood stars.

Founders and Statesmen

• Anson Burlingame (1820–1870)
  Diplomat, lawyer, orator
  The man who gave the city its name. Appointed by Abraham Lincoln as the minister to China, he purchased vast tracts of land here for his future residence. Although he passed away in Saint Petersburg during a diplomatic mission and never had the chance to live on his estate, his name is forever linked to the city.
• Franklin Knight Lane (1864–1921)
  Politician, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
  A prominent American Democratic politician who served in Woodrow Wilson's cabinet. He was one of the city's early residents and actively participated in Burlingame's civic life during its formative years.

Figures in Culture and the Arts

• Shirley Temple (1928–2014)
  Actress, diplomat
  Hollywood's legendary child star of the 1930s. She lived with her family in Burlingame during her childhood and youth. Later, she enjoyed a successful diplomatic career, serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.
• C. S. Forester (1899–1966)
  Writer, screenwriter
  The famous English novelist and author of the Horatio Hornblower series. While living in Burlingame in the 1940s, he wrote one of his most famous novels, "The African Queen," which was later adapted into a classic film.
• Brad Bird (born 1957)
  Director, screenwriter, animator
  Academy Award winner known for his work on Pixar's animated masterpieces ("The Incredibles," "Ratatouille"). He is a graduate of Burlingame High School, where he began his creative journey.
• Dianna Agron (born 1986)
  Actress, singer
  Star of the popular TV series "Glee." She grew up in Burlingame and graduated from the local high school. Her active participation in school theater productions launched her acting career.
• Bill Butler (1921–2023)
  Cinematographer
  A legend of cinematography who shot iconic films such as "Jaws," "Grease," and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." He lived in Burlingame for a long time and was an honored member of the local community.