Monterey in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey's earliest pier of stone built in 1846 gave way to a commercial fishing wharf in the early 1900's when Monterey's multi-million dollar fishing industry was born. Despite many changes the wharf today retains the tone and flavor of the past - - - a monument to the fishing industry and the fishermen who braved the wind and sea.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 36° 36.219′ N, 121° 53.602′ W. Marker is in Monterey, California, in Monterey County. Marker is at the intersection of Fisherman's Wharf and Monterey Bay Coastal Trail on Fisherman's Wharf. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Monterey CA 93940, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sloat's Landing (a few steps from this marker); Site of Original Flagstaff (a few steps from this marker); Custom House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Custom House (within shouting distance of this marker); Monterey Custom House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Custom House (within shouting distance of this marker); Monterey Customhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); John “Bricky” Crivello (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monterey.
More about this marker. The marker is mounted to a set of pier-like poles on the west side of the entrance to Old Fisherman's Wharf.
Also see . . .
1. The Story of Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf. The Monterey County Historical Society's page for Old Fisherman's Wharf. On abalone on the Wharf: "One of the most unusual and interesting operations was the preparation of the abalone catch, which was delivered by crews of deep sea divers who practiced their hazardous trade in the waters off the coast south of Monterey. It was at fishermans wharf in Monterey that the secret of preparing this seafood delicacy was discovered and developed. After the huge shellfish had been cleaned and the editable meat was sliced by a machine, the rubbery stuff was turned over to skillful women workers who pounded it with wooden mallets. This softened the tough fibers and gave the resultant abalone steak its melting tenderness...." (Submitted on April 28, 2010.)
2. History of Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California. The Fisherman's Wharf Association's history of the Wharf. On its origins: "In 1870 the Pacific Coast Steamship Company constructed a wharf at Monterey for regular passenger and freight service, with ships arriving four times weekly. Growth of the sardine industry and the need to keep the Wharf in better repair prompted the City Council to assume ownership of the pier in 1913. (At some time during this period it became known as "Fisherman's Wharf")..." (Submitted on April 28, 2010.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,196 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on April 28, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.