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

Site of First County Court House

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 6, 2008

1. Site of First County Court House Marker

Inscription. San Luis Obispo was established February 18, 1850, as one of the original counties of California. The first county government was housed in Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. In 1854 county offices were transferred to the Casa Grande Building on Court Street. In early 1873 on this site first county court house was erected where county government has since functioned.

Marker placed by California Centennials Commission in cooperation with San Luis Obispo County Centennial Committee

Dedicated February 18, 1950

Erected 1950 by California Centennials Commission in cooperation with San Luis Obispo County Centennial Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • Political Subdivisions. A significant historical date for this entry is February 18, 1850.

Location. 35° 16.941′ N, 120° 39.688′ W. Marker is in San Luis Obispo, California, in San Luis Obispo County. It can be reached from the intersection of Osos Street and Monterey Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Luis Obispo CA 93401, 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 walking distance of this marker: J. P. Andrews Building (within shouting distance of this marker); San Luis Obispo Sesquicentennial (about 300 feet away, measured

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in a direct line); General John C. Fremont (about 600 feet away); “Love” and “Double Joy” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Ah Louis Store (approx. 0.2 miles away); Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chong's Candy Store (approx. 0.2 miles away); Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Luis Obispo.

More about this marker. Although the marker looks like those used by the State of California to designate California State Historical Landmarks, this site is in fact not such a landmark.

Regarding Site of First County Court House. The courthouse (subject of the marker) was completed in 1873, a handsome 3-story Greek Revival style building. It was demolished in 1940 and succeeded by the building pictured to the left and below, although that too has now been succeeded by a newer 1960's era building.

Additional keywords. Courthouse

(Second) San Luis Obispo County Court House (Constructed 1940) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 6, 2008

2. (Second) San Luis Obispo County Court House (Constructed 1940)

The historical marker is located just to the right of the Osos Street entrance. Of the two plaques visible on the lighting plinth on the steps, one notes that A.R. Walker and P.A. Eisen were the architects and Charles D. Eggleston was the construction superintendent, while the other (larger) notes the county supervisors in 1940 were Claude Arnold, Henry Twisselman, Alfred Ferrini, John Norton, and A.A. Erhart.

Second San Luis Obispo County Court House (from Monterey Street and Osos Street Intersection) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 6, 2008

3. Second San Luis Obispo County Court House (from Monterey Street and Osos Street Intersection)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,094 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 1, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.