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On November 18, 1868, Colonel William Welles Hollister,
the original owner of the land grant known as Rancho San Justo, sold his
land to the San Justo Homestead Association. This group bought approximately
20,775 acres, but about 100 acres was to be laid out for the town.
They named this parcel after the seller, "Hollister".
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In 1870, the Southern Pacific Railroad connected Hollister
with Carnadero with a railroad track. This would later extend out
to Tres Pinos. These tracks would help fuel Hollister's economy with
the shipment of hay, grain, cattle, and ore.
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On August 29, 1872, Hollister officially became incorporated
as a city.
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By 1874, Hollister was the most important town in the
area and took the county seat on February 12, 1874 when San Benito County
was established.
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During this early period, Hollister was known as the
"Hay City" because of its prosperous hay industry.
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In 1880 the population of Hollister was at a modest
1000; in 1910, 2,300; and in 1925, 2,750.
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The current population of Hollister stands at approximately
30,000.
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