Pleasanton was incorporated in 1894, when its population was a mere 500. The community was given its name in 1867 by pioneer John Kottinger, who was inspired by Civil War General Alfred Pleasonton. One of the area’s earliest landmarks was Hearst Ranch, which was built by Phoebe Apperson Hearst "mother of William Randolph Hearst" in 1891.

The clubhouse of Castlewood Country Club was built on the site of the original main house. Another landmark is the Pleasanton race track, which today is home to horse racing during the annual Alameda County Fair. The 260-acre fairgrounds property includes the track, exhibit halls and outdoor barbecue areas. While the town has seen extensive growth in the last few decades, the historic downtown has retained its small-town charm, right down to its gateway "Pleasanton" arch and its Pleasanton Hotel and Cheese Factory buildings.

Today, Pleasanton is home to Hacienda Business Park, developed principally by the Prudential Co. and the Callahan Property Co. Covering 854 acres and featuring more than 5 million square feet of office space occupied by 240 companies, it is Northern California’s largest business park. Stoneridge Mall, which opened in 1980 and has about 160 stores - anchored by Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Sears and Nordstrom - contributes substantially to the city’s diverse tax base.

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