From its abundance of acclaimed wineries and breweries, olive and almond orchards to its notable dining, quaint downtown area, and welcoming small-town charm, Paso has become one of the highly sought-after spots here on the West Coast.
In the beginning...
The native Salinan Indians called the region “the Springs,” and in the 1700s they enlightened Spain’s Franciscan padres about the health benefits of the region’s abundant thermal waters. The padres, in turn, planted the region’s first vineyards and taught the Indians about cattle ranching, farming and (guess what?) winemaking.
The area was first acquired in 1857 through a Mexican land grant purchase by James and Daniel Blackburn along with their partner, one Drury James – who also happened to be the uncle of the famous outlaw Jesse James.
Back then, Paso’s reputation grew for its natural mineral hot springs. Those traveling along the Camino Real trail to visit the San Miguel Mission just north would stop for a soak. Soon after, Paso began to attract the settlers in the area who were setting up cattle ranches, apple and almond orchards, and… vineyards (yeah, you might have heard we have some wine around here).
The first hotel and mineral spring bath house was constructed in 1864 and in 1886, the Southern Pacific Railroad came through this spot and 228 lots were divided up for a township for those interested in traveling from San Francisco.
Paso Robles was officially established as a city in 1889 and continued to grow as a ranching settlement, hosting the annual Mid-State Fair, and earning quite a reputation for the amazing grapes and wineries being established.
Today, with a local population of about 35,000, Paso continues to play host to almost 2 million visitors from all over the world as well as many natives from outlining areas for a weekend getaway or… more permanent visit.
Some little-known facts...
Want to know a bit more about this place we call home? Check out our Did You Know? page for some well-known – and maybe not so well-known facts about Paso.
