Born in Bristol, England, on Nov. 24, 1824, James Cass came to N.Y.C. at age 12 and later went to California during the Gold Rush. His work in mining, mercantile trade, and farming took him throughout the state. In 1867, he recognized the potential for a shipping port at Cayucos Creek. In 1869, Cass persuaded Capt. J.N. Ingalls and his partner, Frederick Metcalf, to begin a small shipping business by stacking goods on the beach, which led to construction of a wharf in 1872. The wharf, the first structure in the township, required Cass to invent and patent a new method of driving piles. In 1875, William Babcock subdivided the town of Cayucos. Cass then bought the tideland lots, extended the pier 940’ to deep water, and built a warehouse in 1877. After Cass died on March 15, 1917, his family donated the warehouse and pier to the State, and the warehouse was moved to a new location where it remains a vital part of Cayucos.