Ah Louis Store, San Luis Obispo

The Ah Louis Store is a historic landmark that holds significant cultural and historical importance. Owned by Wong, more commonly known as Ah Louis, the store played a vital role in the development of the Central Coast of California during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Ah Louis was a prominent Chinese American figure in San Luis Obispo. He held various roles as a banker, labor contractor, farmer, and shopkeeper, leaving a lasting impact on the community. His contributions to the region include organizing Chinese laborers during the construction of the Pacific Coast Railway's Avila—Port Harford spur and the tunnels through Cuesta Grade over the Santa Lucia Range. Ah Louis was instrumental in the growth and progress of the area.

Recognizing the needs of the local Chinese community, Ah Louis opened the first East Asian mercantile in San Luis Obispo County in 1874. The store provided a range of goods, including rice, rum, and opium (opium use was legal until 1915). The original wooden structure was later replaced with a sturdy brick building in 1885, constructed from bricks sourced from Ah Louis's own brickyard. Located at 800 Palm Street on the corner of Chorro Street in downtown San Luis Obispo, the building stands as a reminder of the city's historic Chinatown.

Today, the Ah Louis Store is owned by William Watson, Ah Louis's great-grandson. The ground floor of the building operates as a retail store, offering visitors a glimpse into the past while providing a unique shopping experience. The store's historical significance is recognized at both the state and national levels. It has been designated as California State Historical Landmark number 802 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.