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History

Welcome to the City of Hollister, seat of San Benito County and gateway to Pinnacles National Park. We are nestled in a small valley just 40 minutes from the Monterey Peninsula and less than an hour from the bustle of the Silicon Valley. As you enter Hollister on Highway 25 or 156, take note of the sprawling hills you pass. The agriculture of the fertile Central Valley feeds the world with produce, and Hollister is famous for its fresh and healthy crops as well as distinct and unique wines. The beautiful hills and valleys of San Benito County make it a dreamland for outdoor lovers. Only miles away from Pinnacles National Park, and with back country roads for bikers, it is an ideal location for interacting with nature. Although it is growing quickly, Hollister still maintains the beauties and comforts of a small town, making it an ideal place for people from all around the world to call home.

The history of Hollister can be traced back to 1853, when Colonel W.W. Hollister became one of the first men to drive a flock of sheep across the continent. Upon reaching the West, he acquired Spanish Land Grants in San Benito and Santa Barbara Counties. The San Justo Homestead Association of farmers formed Hollister in 1872. At the first town meeting, a dispute arose over its name. San Justo was suggested, but a single man protested strongly against adding another name to the growing number of California towns with Saint namesakes. San Justo was thrown out, and Hollister was chosen. The original subdivision divided the town into 50 homestead lots, where downtown Hollister is located today. Since then, Hollister has continuously grown in size, both geographically and by population. Portions of the original grant in Santa Barbara County are home to the Hollister ranch and surf spot made famous by the clothier of the same name.

Historic Hollister Homes and ChurchesLet Your Stroll Through Our Neighborhoods Take You Back in Time

Hollister's rich cultural history is reflected in the architecture of some of its early homes as well as its historic downtown. Scattered throughout neighborhoods near downtown Hollister are the vintage homes of some of Hollister's earliest residents.

The city of Hollister provides an intimate look at the history of these homes in a booklet that serves as a guide for walking tours. Its pages are filled with historic photos of the featured houses, as well as information on their owners' and the stories of their lives.

Particularly compelling is the diverse architectural styles of the homes. The welcoming streets were filled with houses during a relatively prosperous period between the 1880's and World War II, when construction and expansion continued slowly over many decades. Because of this gradual expansion, the houses are rich in cultural style. Houses of the Craftsman, Neo-Classical Revival, Mission, Period, and Tudor styles, among others, sit amongst each other, creating a beautiful and unique blend.

Preserved through time, still standing tall, these homes tell a story of a different era, a reminder of those who settled here before us. The city of Hollister provides an intimate look at the history of these homes in a booklet that serves as a guide for walking tours. Its pages are filled with historic photos of the featured houses, as well as information on their owners' and the stories of their lives.

Hollister has been a desirable place to live ever since the original builders created their homes here decades ago. Since then, although times have changed, the original charm and beauty have stayed intact, making this Hollister's oldest and most unique neighborhood. It preserves history through its enchanting stories.

Hollister's downtown as well is full of historic buildings that point to earlier days.

History

A Great Place to Live, Work, and Play

The Story of Hollister