HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 2015 SLOWhatHISTORY of SAN LUIS
OBISPO
History of San Luis Obispo
Joseph A. Carotenuti
City Historian/Archivist
Eventually, the final connection between the rails from north and
south would unite San Luis Obispo - both County and City - to the rest
of the Union. Indeed, the rails at America’s shores joined shipping to
trade with much of the world. The final link, the “Closing of the Gap,”
became a civic drama for the following seven years and will be detailed
in another installment.
In the meanwhile, before and after the first train’s arrival, the community hadn’t remained passive waiting for the
railroad barons to bless them with an iron queen as evidenced by the activities of the West Coast Land Company.
There were others whose vision foresaw a progressive center in California. One even prepared for the event by
building an impressive palace to greet newcomers.
The title of the first chapter of Loren Nicholson’s excellent Rails Across the Ranchos is “The Grand Promise.” It
was neither that of politicians, bureaucrats nor developers but the fulfillment of a dream of John Pinkney Andrews.
For Andrews, the community required a fine hotel to accommodate the expected throngs of visitors. The centrally
located locale would be a choice spot to stop and rest between the lengthy journeys from either the Bay area or the
less populated southern end of the State. Undoubtedly, a comfortable place to rest would encourage some to simply
stay and plant their futures in the little valley. Well deserving of the title as a “grand promise,” the finest hotel –
then or now - was built years before it would greet rail guests and, sadly, succumb in its infancy.
July 3, 1885 was an exceptional day with the grand opening of the spectacular Andrews Hotel. More than a business
venture, the building was a visual reminder of the anticipated greatness for the small community (population in
1880: 2243). The three story palace of luxury towered over the city on the corner of Monterey and Osos Streets
unashamed of its beauty. It was to be the harbinger of the future. Not proclaimed at the opening, but typifying the
excited anticipation of the time, one admirer declared:
“I am listening for the tramp of coming multitudes…they are coming fifty
thousand strong. Coming from their eastern homes to find this balmy
atmosphere and to secure for themselves and for their children a future home.”
The hotel was a spectacular echo of Myron Angel’s statement that “the present condition is that of steady progress”
referring to the emerging community. When he arrived in 1883 to take ownership of the Tribune, Angel was also
keenly aware of the evolution of the county as found in his seminal History of San Luis Obispo County. The grand
hotel became a jewel surrounded by a crusty setting.
Myron Angel is an essential presence in our history. More on this legendary resident is found in the month’s
Journal Plus.
Contact: jacarotenuti@gmail.com 06/2015