Hayward grew steadily throughout the late 19th century , with an economy based on agriculture and tourism . Important crops were tomatoes , potatoes , peaches , cherries , and apricots . Hunt Brothers Cannery opened in 1895 . Chicken and pigeon raising also played important roles in the economy . A rail line between Oakland and San Jose , the South Pacific Coast Railroad , was established , but was destroyed in the 1868 earthquake . the Hayward shore of the Bay was developed into extensive salt evaporation ponds , and was one of the most productive areas in the world , with Leslie Salt one of the largest companies
1868 earthquake
1868 Hayward earthquake
Hayward, California