The Plaza was established when San José moved from its original location on the bank of the Guadalupe River to the current downtown location in 1797 and has been in use ever since, making it the oldest public open space in California.

The present-day park was the site of California's capitol from 1849 to 1851, a period during which the California Republic gained American statehood; hence, the site contained California's first state capitol.
 From 1889 to 1958, San Jose's city hall occupied the center of the park  before the local government moved it northward to North First and Mission Streets.
Today, San José City Hall is located nearby on Santa Clara Street.

The Fairmont San Jose's main tower was built in 1997, while its annex tower was completed in 2002.
The Plaza was established when San José moved from its original location on the bank of the Guadalupe River to the current downtown location in 1797 and has been in use ever since, making it the oldest public open space in California.
The present-day park was the site of California's capitol from 1849 to 1851, a period during which the California Republic gained American statehood; hence, the site contained California's first state capitol.  From 1889 to 1958, San Jose's city hall occupied the center of the park  before the local government moved it northward to North First and Mission Streets. Today, San José City Hall is located nearby on Santa Clara Street.
The Fairmont San Jose's main tower was built in 1997, while its annex tower was completed in 2002.
Plaza de César Chávez