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San Luis Obispo, California

Located in San Luis Obispo County, California, San Luis Obispo was founded in 1772. Repeatedly ranked the happiest city in America. Bubblegum Alley is covered in decades of chewed gum.
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Founded 1772 | Population 47,000 | Peak 47,000 (2024) | County San Luis Obispo County

Top 10 Most Important Events for San Luis Obispo, California

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1772Mission: Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
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1822Economic Development: San Luis Obispo grew through manufacturing and industry.
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1890Higher Education: Educational institutions helped define San Luis Obispo's character and economy.
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1942Cal Poly: Cal Poly SLO established.
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2010Modern Era: San Luis Obispo continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Complete Historical Timeline

1772 Culture
Mission
1822 Industry
Economic Development
1890 Culture
Higher Education
1942 Culture
Cal Poly
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
Repeatedly ranked the happiest city in America.
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Bubblegum Alley is covered in decades of chewed gum.
3
Cal Poly SLO is a top public university — 'Learn by Doing.'.
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San Luis Obispo is located in San Luis Obispo County, California.
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San Luis Obispo was founded in 1772.

Famous People from San Luis Obispo, California

ZE
Zac Efron
Actor, Disc Jockey · Born Oct 18, 1987 · Age 38
ST
Stephanie Brown Trafton
Athletics Competitor · Born Aug 1, 1979 · Age 46
CS
Chris Seitz
Association Football Player · Born Mar 12, 1987 · Age 38
KC
Kami Craig
Swimmer, Water Polo Player · Born Jul 21, 1987 · Age 38
WG
Wolfgang Gartner
Disc Jockey, Record Producer · Born Mar 17, 1982 · Age 43
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