Oceano in San Luis Obispo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Southern Pacific Railroad Depot

Oceano, California

— 1896 - 1973 —

Southern Pacific Railroad Depot Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Herrick, April 23, 2017

1. Southern Pacific Railroad Depot Marker

Inscription.
The Oceano Depot served as a focal point for transportation, tourism & real estate promotion in the South County from 1896 until the 1950's. The existing structure, a "Combination 22" standard design by SP, replaced the original 1896 structure which burned in 1903. This combination passenger and freight depot was built in March 1904, and located 400 yards south of its present location. The building was closed in 1973 and moved to this site in 1978

Harold Guiton 1929 - 2001
Harold was a native son who understood the depot's importance in the founding of Oceano and dedicated over 25 years to the restoration of this historic structure. With gratitude this depot is dedicated to the memory of Harold Guiton, his love of Oceano and his never ending efforts to preserve our local history.

Placed by order of Minor Historians - C.L. Sonnichsen Chapter - San Luis Obispo, CA - Sept 2002

Erected 2002 by Order of Minor Historians, C.L. Sonnichsen Chapter.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Southern Pacific Railroad

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series list.

Location. 35° 6.124′ N, 120° 37.029′ W. Marker is in Oceano, California, in San Luis Obispo County. It is at the intersection of Cabrillo Hwy (California Route 1) and Tranquil Court, on the left when traveling north on Cabrillo Hwy. Located on the Oceano Train Depot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1650 Front Street, Oceano CA 93445, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Central Coast

and specifically on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Oceano Depot (a few steps from this marker); Oceano Honor Roll (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Rudolf W. Gerber Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Arroyo Grande Swinging Bridge

Photographed by Michael Herrick, April 23, 2017

2. Southern Pacific Railroad Depot Marker

(approx. 2.7 miles away); Pacific Coast Railway Right-Of-Way / A Terrible Tragedy (approx. 2.9 miles away); Pismo Beach Pier Plaza (approx. 2.9 miles away); History of Pismo Clams in California (approx. 2.9 miles away); The History of Pismo Beach Wharf and Pier (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oceano.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 629 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 24, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.