Skip to Main Content

Local History: San Luis Obispo City

Resources for history of San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo City

Check general resources on the home page first, then check resources on this page for San Luis Obispo city history.

San Luis Obispo Library

San Luis Obispo Library

995 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo CA
Circulation: 805-781-5991
Reference: 805-781-5989

San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society Library is located on the 2nd floor of the library. The Local History Department is a unique collection of San Luis Obispo history books, documents and film.

The book collection may be searched at http://www.blackgold.org/polaris/default.aspx

Cuesta College Archives

The College Archives house the official records of the College as well as other College-related materials worthy of preservation due to their enduring legal or historical value. This collection includes print materials, videotapes, photographs, and physical objects. Use is by appointment only at the San Luis Obispo campus library, (805)546-3157.

History Center of San Luis Obispo County

SLO Historical Center

Hollister Adobe

Hollister Adobe

Constructed in the 1830’s as a family home, the Hollister Adobe stands today in the southeast corner of the college campus. Originally owned by a soldier of the California Mission system, the three-roomed adobe was later owned by the Hollister Family from 1866-1907. Cuesta College inherited the adobe in 1963. Although restoration took place in 1970, damage caused by the December 2003 San Simeon Earthquake resulted in the closure of the adobe. Fundraising efforts are currently underway to fully restore the structure.

Emeritus history faculty member Dennis Judd delivered a lecture on the history of the Hollister Adobe.

San Luis Obispo Newspapers