The San Jose Earthquakes' alternate logo history is one that has been around for decades, alongside the San Jose Earthquakes Wordmark logo. It began in 1974 when the team was first founded as an expansion team in the North American Soccer League (NASL). The original logo featured a yellow and blue shield with a stylized "SJ" at its center. This design was used until 1984 when it was replaced by another more modern-looking shield featuring two crossed soccer balls and two lightning bolts on either side of them.

In 1996, after several years away from professional soccer due to financial troubles within the NASL, the Earthquakes returned to play in Major League Soccer (MLS) under new ownership and with a new identity. This included their alternate logo which featured an orange sunburst behind three black mountains representing San Jose's location near Silicon Valley - symbolizing progress through technology while maintaining the traditional roots of local culture.

Today this same basic design remains unchanged but has evolved over time; most notably adding additional elements such as flames or stars around its edges depending on what season it is being used for or what special event may be taking place at that moment - like celebrating championships won by other teams in MLS or honoring fallen heroes from past games played against rival clubs throughout California's Bay Area region. With each iteration offering subtle variations to keep things fresh yet recognizable year-round – this unique badge serves as an homage to where they’ve come from while simultaneously embracing their future ahead!