Path of History

In 1772, Spaniards decided to make a home in what is now considered downtown San Luis Obispo. The rich soil and temperate weather in the lush, green valley nestled in the rolling foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range offered ideal growing conditions for their crops.

They came and built a mission that is still standing today in the center of town. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa remains a working parish church. San Luis Creek, the original water source for the mission and later the city, winds through Mission Plaza which remains a central meeting place and host of festivals, fairs and other celebrations throughout the year. The Mission is the root of San Luis Obispo's history and an ideal spot to begin your tour of historic San Luis Obispo.

To learn more about San Luis Obispo's history, click on the detailed map below to enlarge, then print and enjoy discovering the history behind San Luis Obispo.

• Mission Plaza  
• Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 1772
• San Luis Creek
• Judge Walter Murray Adobe, 1849
• County Historical Museum, 1905
• Jack House, 1875
• St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1867
• Myron Angel Home, 1883
• Kundert Medical Building, 1956
• Andrews Bank Building, 1893
• Sinsheimer Brothers Store, 1874
• Ah Louis Store, 1884
• Presbyterian Church, 1905
• Dallidet Adobe, 1853
• Ramona Depot, 1889