[2] On May 14, 1855, Frank Lightston, a pioneer among San Jose's Yankee settlers, officially transferred ownership of the alley to the city.

A year following, City Alderman Moody suggested renaming it "Fountain" to mirror its association with the nearby well.

The most prominent among these was an extension of the L-shaped McLaughlin and Ryland Building, positioned at the southeast corner of First and Santa Clara Streets.

[4] Fountain Alley lost its urban importance in the late 20th century, when it became notable as a crime hotspot.

Since the 2010s, the alley has been the site of an ongoing revitalization program, which has ended the area's crime streak and introduced public events, like tailgates and pop-ups.