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

Arroyo Grande Hoosegow Jail

Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 4, 2026

1. Arroyo Grande Hoosegow Jail Marker

Inscription.
The small Arroyo Grande jail was nicknamed the 'Hoosegow' by members of the community. Derived from the Spanish language, the term 'hoosegow' found its origin around 1865.

Built by the County of San Luis Obispo, the jail was intended for use by the Township Constable and the County Sheriff. Such a small design was only sufficient to hold prisoners until they could be transported to the County Jail in San Luis Obispo. Likely the most prevalent guests of the jail were those who over-consumed alcohol in the many saloons in town. The date of construction remains a mystery but it is estimated to be about 1910, and replaced a wooden jail located near the Arroyo Grande Creek.

Upon incorporation of the City of Arroyo Grande on July 11, 1911, the need for a jail was realized. Acting swiftly, the City Council sent a letter to the County Board of Supervisors on July 26, 1911, asking for the privilege of using the branch county jail by city officers.

The word 'Hoosegow' was cut into the solid steel door by Jack Snyder, a local blacksmith. This branding of the jail occurred in the late 1930's with a noted spelling variation.

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February 14, 1978, the grounds and structure were dedicated by the City of Arroyo Grande as "Hoosegow Park. On April 25, 2015, following a restoration project that added an accessible entry ramp, additional pathways, new park signs, and replaced grass with drought resistant landscaping, the park was renamed and dedicated as Howard Mankins Hoosegow Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Law Enforcement • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is February 14, 1978.

Location. 35° 7.484′ N, 120° 34.725′ W. Marker is in Arroyo Grande, California, in San Luis Obispo County. It is in Village. It is on East Le Point Street west of Miller Way, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 109 E Le Point St, Arroyo Grande CA 93420, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the 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,

on the Pacific Rim,

Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 4, 2026

2. Arroyo Grande Hoosegow Jail Marker

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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Arroyo Grande Swinging Bridge (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pacific Coast Railway Right-Of-Way / A Terrible Tragedy (approx. 0.2 miles away); Oceano Depot (approx. 2.7 miles away); Southern Pacific Railroad Depot (approx. 2.7 miles away); Oceano Honor Roll (approx. 2.7 miles away); Dr. Rudolf W. Gerber Memorial Park (approx. 2.7 miles away); Price Anniversary House (approx. 3.3 miles away); Mrs. Charis Lee Straw (approx. 3.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arroyo Grande.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 4, 2026

3. Arroyo Grande Hoosegow Jail Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2026, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 16, 2026, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.