Established in 1880, the Union Hotel burned in 1893 but was rebuilt in 1915. The previous and present structures have been part of Santa Barbara County history for over a century. The hotel has hosted and withstood generations of travelers who came by stagecoach, railroad, and early motor car. Major business transactions, including cattle trading, were conducted there. Its long tradition of hospitality has continued through events such as World War I and II, the Great Depression, and Prohibition to the present day.