The Cass House is named for the founding father of Cayucos. Captain James Cass.

Born in Bristol England in 1824, captain james Cass crossed the Atlantic 31 times before the age of 19, but would ultimately call California his home.

While hauling lumber from San Luis Obispo to San Simeon. Cass discovered the small coastal town of "Old Creek, California". upon moving his family here, He chose to rename the town "Cayucos" after the Native American word for canoe. Captain Cass was a major contributor to the growing community of Cayucos, not only serving as its banker, but also building both the town's church and its bustling wharf.

The house itself was built between 1867 and 1875 and served as the hub of all cultural and social life in Cayucos, but was abandoned for 20 years until the present owners began the restoration process.

The house has been meticulously restored over the past fourteen years and, After much anticipation, finally opened its doors to the public in the summer of 2007.