Nestled at the base of the Fremont hills, Niles was established in the 1850s as a junction point of the Southern Pacific Railroad lines from Oakland to San Jose. This quaint railroad town served the community with an array of local shops centralized in a vibrant downtown district, and was home to one of the first West Coast motion picture companies, Essanay Studios. Charlie Chaplin and Bronco Billy Anderson filmed some of their most famous silent movies through Niles Canyon and along the main streets of Niles.
In 1956, Niles was incorporated with the towns of Mission San Jose, Centerville, Irvington, and Warm Springs to form the City of Fremont. Today Niles is famous for its historic shopping district, Wildflower Festival, Niles Essanay Silent Film Festival and Museum, annual Antique Fair, and the Niles Canyon Railway. Anchored by a tight-knit community, Niles continues to reflect a captivating historic character and small-town feel.
