Residents of the maritime-oriented village known as Embarcadero, Mezesville, Redwood Landing, and Redwood took civic action 150 years ago to improve muddy, impassable streets that halted winter commerce. They had twice before gathered to solve community problems: in 1856, when San Mateo County was organized and residents faced a threatened invasion of political scoundrels from San Francisco, and in 1861, when the townspeople organized a fire department. In 1863, the railroad arrived and brought profound changes, with land values rising sharply as wealthy San Franciscans came south to build large homes. By 1900, lumber had left the area, while tanning, manufacturing, salt production, agriculture, and businesses such as hotels and general stores flourished. In 1906, the San Francisco Earthquake displaced thousands of people, whom Redwood City welcomed, beginning a population boom. Redwood City then transformed from a rough-and-tumble lumber and shipping town into a vibrant city with restaurants, theaters, historic tours, tech companies, and the Port of Redwood City, the only deepwater port on the South Bay.