The Valley

Hollister is a city in and the county seat of San Benito County, California. The Mutsun Ohlone Indians were the first known inhabitants of the Hollister region. The town, then located in Monterey County, was founded November 19, 1868 originally as the San Justo Homestead Association, established by William Welles Hollister (1818–1886), a group that originally intended to name it San Justo. An association member, Napa vintner Henry Hagen, objected. Hagen argued that place names in California were dominated by Spanish saint names, and suggested that the state should have a town named after someone less holy. The City was incorporated on August 29, 1872. The western portion of San Benito County, including Hollister, was separated from Monterey County in 1874. The county was expanded eastward in 1887 to include portions taken from Merced and Fresno Counties.

Hollister is one of at least three California towns claiming the title of "Earthquake Capital of the World". Because of its long history with motorcyclists, Hollister is considered the "Birthplace of the American Biker".