On November 19, 1868, the newly formed San Justo Homestead Association initiated the formation of Hollister through the purchase of 21,000 acres of the former Rancho San Justo from William Welles Hollister. The association assured the prosperity of its enterprise with the establishment of rail service in July 1871. The town was initially incorporated by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on August 6, 1872, with the title "Inhabitants of the Town of Hollister." After the establishment of San Benito County in February 1874, the town was reincorporated on March 26, 1874, by the California State Legislature with the name "Town of Hollister." Confirmed as the county seat on March 26, 1874, Hollister continues to be the political, social and economical hub of San Benito County.