Prehistorically the banks of San Bruno Creek were settled by the Buriburi tribe of the Ohlone, who have presumably lived in the area since as early as 2000 BC. One Buriburi settlement has been identified along San Bruno Creek, which may have had a population of 15 to 25 people. This watershed was first explored by Europeans in 1769 by a Spanish expedition led by Gaspar de Portolà. Later, more extensive explorations by Bruno Hecate resulted in the naming of San Bruno Creek after St. Bruno of Cologne, the founder of a medieval monastic order. This creek later gave its name to the community.