Peterson Tractor Co. was founded during the post-depression era of the mid-thirties by a young industrialist named G. Howard Peterson. It was incorporated on November 16, 1936 as the Caterpillar Dealership for the five bay area counties: Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa. Peterson purchased the existing dealership - Robinson Tractor Co. - for $150,000 and set about building his business.

Less than six months later, the fledging company moved to new facilities in Hayward, CA. Growth continued to push the young business to larger facilities until finally settling in its present 20 acre location in San Leandro, in 1948. Through the years, Peterson's service coverage has tripled in size with the acquisition of five older Caterpillar dealerships. Today Peterson's territory covers a total of eighteen counties of Northern California which includes:

FOR FURTHER INFO:

Peterson's Founding ... 1936

Peterson's History Archives

Peterson's History Timeline