Atascadero, California is a small city located in San Luis Obispo County. Though it may not be the most well-known or heavily populated city in the area, it has been the site of several significant historical events throughout the years. Here are seven of the most notable:
1. Founding of Atascadero Colony - In 1913, Edward Gardner Lewis founded the Atascadero Colony as a planned community. Lewis envisioned a utopian community where people could come to live harmonious, healthy lives. He recruited 300 families to come and settle in Atascadero, bringing with them their skills and trades to help build the community.
2. Atascadero State Hospital Opens - In 1954, Atascadero State Hospital opened its doors as a mental health facility. The hospital served as a treatment center for individuals with mental illness, and later became known for its forensic services, particularly for the diagnosis and treatment of sex offenders.
3. The Great Atascadero Fire - In 1948, a wildfire broke out in Atascadero and burned an estimated 28,000 acres of land. The fire destroyed numerous homes and buildings, including the Atascadero City Hall and the Atascadero Mutual Water Company.
4. Earthquake of 2003 - On December 22, 2003, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck near Paso Robles, just a few miles from Atascadero. The earthquake caused widespread damage throughout the region, including the destruction of the historic clock tower in Paso Robles.
5. Visit from President Woodrow Wilson - In September 1919, President Woodrow Wilson made a visit to Atascadero as part of his tour of western states. During his visit, President Wilson spoke to a crowd of more than 15,000 people about the importance of the League of Nations.
6. Birth of the Atascadero Junior Chamber (JCI) - In 1932, the Atascadero Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCI) was founded. The organization was dedicated to promoting civic engagement, community service, and leadership development among young professionals in the area.
7. Founding of The Printery Foundation - In 2003, The Printery Foundation was established in Atascadero to help preserve the Atascadero Printery building, a historic landmark in the city that had fallen into disrepair. The Printery Foundation worked to restore the building and turn it into a community center and event space.
These are just a few of the many historical events that have taken place near Atascadero, CA. From the founding of a utopian community to devastating natural disasters, the city has been witness to a diverse range of experiences over the years.
7 Pieces Of History Near Atascadero, CA
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