Walking Tour of San Luis Obispo's Historic Railroad District

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Episodes

Date Title & Description Contributors
2011-06-13

  Chapter 1 - Introduction& Railroad Depot

Today’s tour will start right here at the historic train depot. San Luis Obispo’s first railroad was established to help local farmers get their goods to larger markets. In 1872, the San Luis Obispo Railroad Company was organized...
  The History Center of SLO County author
2011-06-13

  Chapter 2 - Southern Pacific Railroad Tower

Built in 1942, when up to ten passenger trains stopped here every day, this 65,000-gallon steel tank held the water that powered the steam locomotives during World War Two.
  The History Center of SLO County author
2011-06-13

  Chapter 3 - Hotel Park

Originally known as Glen Dell Hotel, this historic building is one of many we’ll visit today that catered to the railroad trade, boarding workers and offering respite to travelers.
  The History Center of SLO County author
2011-06-13

  Chapter 4 - Jennifer Street Bridge

Made of self-weathering steel that eliminates the need for paint, this popular footbridge connects Osos Street with Jennifer Street on the opposite side, and provides an excellent place from which to watch and photograph trains.
  The History Center of SLO County author
2011-06-13

  Chapter 5 - Freight House

Built in 1894, this venerable old building was one of the few in California that served two different types of railroads: the local narrow gauge Pacific Coast Railway and the nation-wide standard gauge Southern Pacific Railroad.
  The History Center of SLO County author
2011-06-13

  Chapter 6 - Del Monte Cafe

Look right across the street and you’ll see the charming Del Monte Café, looking very much like it did in 1922 when it was built. Designed and constructed for just $600, it began life as a grocery store and barber shop owned by J.R. Robbins.
  The History Center of SLO County author
2011-06-13

  Chapter 7 - Channel Commercial Building

Conveniently situated near the train depot, this three-story brick building was where almost all of San Luis Obispo’s wholesale groceries first arrived, before they were distributed to the county’s many small markets.
  The History Center of SLO County author
2011-06-13

  Chapter 8 - Tribune-Republic Building

Believe it or not, this is the oldest wooden commercial building in the city. Built in 1873 to house the city’s first newspaper, The San Luis Obispo Tribune, this house was originally located on Morro Street, several blocks from here.
  The History Center of SLO County author
2011-06-13

  Chapter 9 - Hageman Sanitarium

This two-story neo-colonial house with Queen Anne influences was built in 1880 for Judson Rice, not as a private home, but specifically to be a boarding house.
  The History Center of SLO County author
2011-06-13

  Chapter 10 - Parkview Hotel or The Establishment

Perhaps The Establishment’s most famous tenant was Jack Kerouac, who moved into an apartment here when he went to work for Southern Pacific in 1953.
  The History Center of SLO County author