San Luis Obispo County, California

Adelaida Atascadero Administration Building Bethel Lutheran Church Brewster – Dutra House Cambria Veterans' Memorial Carlton Hotel Carnegie City Library Carnegie Library Cayucos by the Sea Chong's Candy Store Chumash and Salinan Nations Village Site Creston Community Church Cross of El Camino Real Dallidet Adobe De Anza Expedition 1775 - 1776 Dr. Rudolf W. Gerber Memorial Park Elkhorn Saloon Estrella Adobe Church Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial Farming Carrizo First Mennonite Church First Presbyterian Church Fr. Fidelis Wieland, O.F.M General John C. Fremont Geneseo School Goodwin Ranch Hearst Ranch Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument Home of Capt. James Cass Ignacy Jan Paderewski In Memoriam In Memory Of J. P. Andrews Building Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail Lee Tucker Pool Lincoln-Adelaida School Lt. Col. John C. Fremont M60A3 (TTS) Main Battle Tank Mission Cemetery Mission Fields Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Mission San Miguel Arcangel Morro Rock Motel Inn Museum Property / Horstman House Mustang Memorial Plaza Nitt Witt Ridge Oceano Depot Oceano Honor Roll Original Site Of San Miguel School Pacific Coast Railway Pacific Coast Railway Right-Of-Way / A Terrible Tragedy Painted Rock Painted Rock Paso Robles Veterans Memorial Paso Robles’ First Jail Piedras Blancas Lighthouse Lens Pier Into The Past Pittsburgh Pirates Point Piedras Blancas, A Recent Colony Point San Luis Light Station Port Harford Pier Port Harford Wharf & Pacific Coast Railway Port San Luis Pozo Presbyterian Church Preserving a Bit of History Rancho Nipomo Rios-Caledonia Adobe Sailing Ship Anchor San Luis Obispo Creek San Luis Obispo Sesquicentennial San Miguel Cemetery District Sebastian Store Site of Ah Louis Store Site of First County Court House Soda Lake Soda Lake Southern Pacific Railroad Depot Southern Pacific Water Tower Sunken Gardens Supply by Tender Templeton Carriage Works The Famous Hotel El Paso de Robles 1891 - 1940 The First Landing of Filipinos in the Continental United States The Jeanesville Pump The Old Powerhouse The Ramona Hotel Depot The Town of Harmony Traver Ranch Tribute to a Young Man Wallace Creek Willow Creek Mennonite Church Your American Heritage Monument “Love” and “Double Joy”
San Luis Obispo County is located in central California and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The county is home to numerous Native American tribes who thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of Spanish explorers. The Native American Chumash people lived in the area and were known for their sophisticated culture and trade networks.

In 1769, Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola led an expedition through the region, establishing the first European presence in what is now San Luis Obispo County. The Spanish established missions along the California coast, including Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, which was founded in 1772. The mission played a significant role in the region's history, attracting settlers and serving as an agricultural hub.

During the 19th century, San Luis Obispo County experienced rapid growth with the discovery of gold in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains. The county became an important stop on the journey to the gold fields, and the population boomed. Agriculture, particularly the dairy industry, also played a crucial role in the county's development during this time.

In the 20th century, San Luis Obispo County continued to grow and evolve. The completion of Highway 101 in the 1930s and the establishment of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo in 1901 further contributed to the area's growth. Today, the county is known for its diverse landscapes, including stunning coastline, rolling hills, and charming small towns, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.
Brief timeline of the history of San Luis Obispo County, California:

  • 1769 - Spanish explorers arrive in the region
  • 1772 - Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is founded
  • 1821 - Mexican War of Independence leads to Mexican control of the area
  • 1842 - San Luis Obispo becomes a Mexican Pueblo
  • 1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, transferring the area to the United States
  • 1850 - San Luis Obispo County is established
  • 1864 - Pacific Coast Railway arrives in San Luis Obispo
  • 1923 - Highway 1 is completed, connecting San Luis Obispo County to the rest of California's coast
  • 1934 - Diablo Canyon Power Plant begins operation
  • 1985 - Cal Poly's San Luis Obispo campus becomes the largest employer in the county

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of San Luis Obispo County, California.