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| Landmark #802 | San Luis Obispo County | Visited: June 8, 2013 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | The Ah Louis Store still stands! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: Ah Louis’ Store, established in 1874, was 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.
OTHER TIDBITS: 21-year old On Wong came to the USA from Canton in 1861 to look for gold and escape the Taiping Rebellion! It took six years for him to work his way down from Oregon to San Luis Obispo, where he worked as a cook for a year before rising to become the region’s principal Chinese labor contractor! Captain John Hartford gave Mr. Wong a new name, “Ah Louis,” and encouraged him to become an employment agent for Chinese laborers. Under his guidance, Chinese laborers in San Luis Obispo built the first wharf in Avila Beach, several county and stage roads, and many other public works projects! His store became the center of activity for San Luis Obispo’s Chinatown and the best place to go for delicacies like salted duck eggs, sea cucumbers (good for the heat and thynoid!), and various teas! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: 800 Palm St at Chorro St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~189mi (305km) — 3.2hrs |
| When should I go? | The store is open daily from 11:30 AM until 5:00 PM, except on federal holidays! |