San Luis Obispo County
California

This Site is part of the CAGenWeb

And

The US GenWeb

Hostesses:
Linda L Donnelly
Martha A Crosley Graham

Brief History of San Luis Obispo County, California

In 1542 two small ships sailed the California coast under the command of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and the flag of Spain. Later, well known explorers in California were Sir Francis Drake in 1579 and Sebastian Vizcaino in 1603. Much later, in 1769, the King of Spain sent sea and land expeditions to occupy California for Spain. Don Gaspar de Portola, leader of the land party, entered what is now San Luis Obispo County on September 2, 1769. Father Serra founded the fifth California Mission at San Luis Obispo in 1772. San Miguel Mission was established in 1797.

Father Serra founded the fifth California Mission at San Luis Obispo in 1772. San Miguel Mission was established in 1797. In 1822 California declared its independence from Spain. In 1825 Mexico claims California as a territory. Mexico ceded California to the United States in 1848, ending the war between the United States and Mexico.

In 1850 California became the 31st state, and San Luis Obispo was created one of the 27 original counties. 1861 brought stagecoaches to the county on their runs between San Francisco and Los Angeles. In 1886 the railroad reached as far south as San Miguel and Paso Robles. Not until 1894 did the railroad reach the city of San Luis Obispo because of the rugged terrain of the Cuesta Ridge.

San Luis Obispo County Resources

The San Luis Obispo Genealogical Society has two Genealogical Libraries

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 to 3:00

Our telephone (805-785-0383).

The Arroyo Grande Genealogical Library is located upstairs in the

South County Branch of the Public Library.

Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, California

The Library is open Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00.

Each Library has a List of Books:

Here is the Shelf List for the San Luis Obispo Gen Library

Here is the Shelf List for the Arroyo Grande Gen Library

The Shelf Lists are fully searchable pdf files.

NEW! - WiFi is available in both Genealogical Libraries.

Bring your Laptop or use our Computer to access the Internet.

Publications for Sale by the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society

San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society
All-Day Seminar

Genealogy NOW
Photos, DNA, Documents, and the Internet

Saturday, February 6, 2010
Veteran’s Hall, 801 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA  93401

Featuring
Megan Smolenyak
Chief Family Historian for Ancestry.com
Honoring Our Ancestors
Roots Television
Author: Trace Your Roots with DNA

Internationally-recognized forensic genealogy expert

Maureen Taylor
The Photo Detective
Photo Organization and Preservation
Individual Consultations for YOUR photos
Author: Uncovering Your Ancestry Through Family Photographs

Internationally-recognized genealogy photo expert

Geoff Rasmussen
Legacy Family Tree

And more . . .

Something for everyone – from beginner to expert

Genealogy Project Displays
Vendor displays
Freebie giveaway items
Drawing for many genealogy goodies
Legacy Family Tree free drawing tickets for  
Legacy Family Tree Software and a LAPTOP COMPUTER
Morning & afternoon beverages & snacks
Lots of fun, enthusiastic fellow family historians

Seminar Schedule
Registration Form

"The Fine Print"

Copyright © 1996-2010 by The CAGenWeb Administrative Team.  All materials, images, sounds and data contained herein are not to be copied or downloaded for purposes of duplication, distribution, or publishing without the express written permission of The CAGenWeb Administrative Team.

This web page is maintained on behalf of the California portion of The USGenWeb Project and is paid for by supporters.  Although believed to be correct as presented, if you have corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly, please contact the webmaster for prompt attention to the matter.

Site Updated: 16 January 2010

Martha A Crosley Graham