Robert Edgar Jack was born in Maine in 1841. At the age of 21, he moved to New York City and to work in shipping. During the Civil War, he was a member of the New York militia and took part in the Battle of Gettysburg.

After the Civil War, Jack came to California and joined with W. W. Hollister in sheep raising on the Cholame Rancho. When Hollister died, Jack purchased the entire ranch and became the largest wool producer in central California.

As a banker and land speculator, Jack was a major benefactor of the growth and development spurred by the railroad.

Jack built this wood frame Italianate residence in 1882 and lived here until his death in 1916. The house was continuously occupied by the family until 1974 when Howard, the youngest son, died and the house was deeded to the city of San Luis Obispo.

Source: Adapted from the NRHP nomination submitted in 1992.