Pacific Grove was established as a Christian encampment in 1875 on 100 acres given to the Pacific Grove Retreat Association in order to hold its 3 week summer Christian encampment. The “town” was subdivided into 30X60 tent lots. This original subdivision design and temporary intent has had an enormous effect on how Pacific Grove grew and developed over the last century and a quarter.

The tent city encampment of the late 1870’s and early 80’s soon gave way to small almost tent size cottages, some still with outside cooking facilities.