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The town of Morro Bay was founded by Franklin Riley in 1870. He was instrumental in the building of a wharf which has now become the Embarcadero. During the 1870's Schooners
could often be seen at the Embarcadero picking up wool,
potatoes, barley and dairy products. In the 1930s the WPA used rock from Morro Rock to form a jetty, creating a breakwater to protect vessels. With dredging this was now a protected home port for fisherman and other sailors.  By 1953 ground was broken for a new electrical generating plant constructed by Pacific Gas & Electric. Though an eye-sore, the generating plant funded the city sufficiently to allow incorporation by 1964. With additional income from motel room taxes, the local fishing industry, and tourism, the city has managed to become more than just a wide spot in the road or a bedroom community like Cayucos or Los Osos.
Morro Bay has continued it's legacy of being a business area, but balances it well with other priorities. The fishing industry has slowly been disappearing as limits have prevented local fishermen from sustaining an income, but is still a strong tourist trade, shopping, and a small industrial section. Business is balanced with residential communities that are shared by young families, seniors enjoying retirement, and weekenders that are only seen on the many sunny weekends. Morro Bay now brags or a population of 10,350, but seems much larger. The mix of business and naturalist, ambitious youth and leave-it -alone retirees, has created some interesting debates over several local issues. But it hasn't become as vicious as Los Osos and is more amusing than anything. But it does give the locals gathering at a local coffee shop or the ever popular brew pub something to talk about. |
