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

Site of Ah Louis Store

Ah Louis Store Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Fay, April 12, 2012

1. Ah Louis Store Marker

Inscription. Here in 1874 was established Ah Louis Store. The first Chinese store in the county, it sold general merchandise and herbs and served as a bank counting house and post office for the numerous Chinese coolies who dug the eight tunnels through the mountains of Cuesta for the Southern Pacific Railroad, 1884 to 1894.

Erected 1965 by California State Park Commission in cooperation with the San Luis Obispo Historical Society and the sons and daughters of Ah Louis. (Marker Number 802.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.

Location. 35° 16.892′ N, 120° 39.85′ W. Marker is in San Luis Obispo, California, in San Luis Obispo County. Marker is at the intersection of Palm Street and Chorro Street, on the right when traveling west on Palm Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo CA 93401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chong's Candy Store (a few steps from this marker); “Love” and “Double Joy” (a few steps from this marker); Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); De Anza Expedition 1775 - 1776

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(about 400 feet away); Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (about 400 feet away); Carnegie City Library (about 600 feet away); San Luis Obispo Sesquicentennial (about 600 feet away); General John C. Fremont (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Luis Obispo.

More about this marker. This is California Registered Historical Landmark No. 802. The marker is set below the window to the left of the front door.

Regarding Site of Ah Louis Store. Two stories and built of red brick, this store was the economic and social center for the substantial Chinese population that resided in San Luis Obispo during the late 19th Century. The building now houses The Nest, a boutique.

Also see . . . "What California Means to Its Oldest Living Chinese". A 1934 Interview with Ah Louis (Submitted on March 15, 2009.)

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 6, 2008

2. Ah Louis Store Marker

Ah Louis Store image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 6, 2008

3. Ah Louis Store

Ah Louis Store Commemorative Bell image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 6, 2008

4. Ah Louis Store Commemorative Bell

The inscription on the bronze bell next to the store reads: "Bronze bell donated to the City of San Luis Obispo, California, Chinatown by Howard Wong Louis (Wong Chuan Tso) 1908 in memory of his father Ah Louis (Wong An) 1840-1935.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,164 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 21, 2013, by Mike Fay of Huntington Beach, California. 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 22, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.