How has Morro Rock changed over time? SLO County landmark once lost 5,000 tons

Morro Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Central Coast, but its shape has changed over the years.

One of the Morros, a chain of peaks that runs from Morro Bay to San Luis Obispo, Morro Rock has a rounded profile in part because its location. The ocean ensures that no soil piles up on the flanks of that volcanic plus.

Rock quarrying also contributed to Morro Rock’s shape.

When Europeans first saw Morro Rock, the harbor was open to the sea on either side. A causeway was later built, partially with blasted boulders.

Alfred Nobel’s invention of dynamite in 1867 made explosives safer. They were widely used in San Luis Obispo County in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

I recall seeing a North County historical photo of oak trees being cleared by blasting in the era before chainsaws and bulldozers.

The Morros were popular targets for entrepreneurs who didn’t have a scenic or religious attachment to the peaks.

Bishop Peak, Cerro Romauldo and Morro Rock were all blasted to harvest rock.

The sound of dynamite exploding around Morro Rock began in the late 1880s.

In August, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers returned pieces of Morro Rock were returned by from a breakwater in Port San Luis.

The Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation held a ceremony to celebrate the reunification of the sacred landmark, also known as Lisamu.

On Feb. 20, 1968, tons of rock fell at Morro Rock in the early morning hours, as described in this unbylined Telegram-Tribune story.

Rumble on Rock

MORRO BAY — About 5,000 tons of Morro Rock came tumbling down this morning on the southeast side of the historical landmark.

Three chunks about the size of large rooms fell from 150-200 feet, along with several small pieces.

Coast Guardsmen heard the old quarry site rumbling and called Morro Bay police at 5:45 a.m. when patrolmen barricaded the causeway road.

However, the road is open now and workmen are clearing the area.

The slide in the Target Rock area apparently was triggered by recent rains.

David Middlecamp

The Tribune

805-781-7942

David Middlecamp is a photojournalist and third-generation Cal Poly graduate who has covered the Central Coast region since the 1980s. A career that began developing and printing black-and-white film now includes an FAA-certified drone pilot license. He also writes the history column “Photos from the Vault.”