The city was founded by Benjamin Campbell (1826-1907), after whom the city is named. Benjamin came to California in 1846 with his father, William M. Campbell (1793-1885). William started a sawmill in Saratoga, and surveyed the cities of San Jose and Santa Clara. In 1851, Benjamin bought in southern Santa Clara Valley and cultivated hay and grain on it. This area later became Campbell's historical downtown core.