The fertile Pacheco Pass area, which now hosts Casa de Fruta, was, for centuries, the home of the Ausaymus Indians. These Indians lived peacefully off the land and used a natural artesian spring which they called "Bright Bubbling" as a year-round source of fresh water. This spring and its location would prove to be important in the years to come.

A path was carved into the area by Indians who traveled from the coast or the San Joaquin Valley to trade. After the establishment of the California Missions, the trail was also used by the Mission Padres to travel to the San Joaquin Valley to attempt to convert the Indians in Central California. Military forces also traveled the trail.

The discovery of gold in 1848 meant great changes to the area now known as Pacheco Pass. It became the main travel route from coastal California to the mines. This increased traffic led to the utilization of the area's rich soil to cultivate fruit trees and vineyards. The land also hosted cattle, sheep, horses and chickens.

How some current local landmarks got their names:

• Pacheco Pass
  Named for Don Francisco Perez Pacheco, who's land grant from Mexico covered an area from San Juan Bautista to Gilroy and to the present-day Casa de Fruta and beyond.

• Los Banos
  Originally a spot along the San Joaquin River where Father Arroyo enjoyed bathing (Los Banos del Padre Arroyo).

• San Luis Reservoir
  Originally a lovely pool of water found by Lt. Gabriel Moraga of the San Francisco Presidio. He dedicated the area to Saint Aloysisus which in Spanish translates into San Luis Gonzaga.

• Soap Lake
  Salt that was gathered from the shores of this lake (between Gilroy and Casa de Fruta) was sold to the military. The salt was used as an ingredient to make soap.

• Bell Station
  Tavern established along Pacheco Pass when it was a toll road in the 1860's. When Lafayette F. Bell purchased it, it became known as Bell Station.

• Casa de Fruta
  In English it means House of Fruit. In 1908 the first orchards were planted by the Great Uncles of the Clara Zanger family.