Monterey in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Old Whaling Station
Where whalers lived and worked
Portuguese whalers, working for the Old Monterey Whaling Company, began shore whaling operations here in 1855. The building served as company headquarters and employee residence. Whales were spotted from the second floor windows, and the hunt began. The whale blubber was rendered on the beach in huge iron pots like the one you can see in the back garden.
In 1864 the Monterey Gazette reported that pieces of whalebones, which were “plentiful on the beach,” were cut and trimmed as paving blocks for “neat and pretty sidewalks” in front of Monterey stores.
The Old Whaling Station has one of the nation’s last remaining whalebone sidewalks.
Today the Junior League of Monterey leases this historic site from California State Parks. The adobe and its gardens are used for weddings and other special events.
Erected by Monterey State Historic Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.
Location. 36° 36.232′ N, 121° 53.698′ W. Marker is in Monterey, California, in Monterey County. Marker can be reached from Decatur Street. Decatur Street is closed to vehicular traffic, foot traffic only. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 391 Decatur Street, 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. First Brick House (a few steps from this marker); Whaling Station (a few steps from this marker); Don Gaspar de Portolá (within shouting distance of this marker); Crescent Brand Sardine Company (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Theater in California (about 300 feet away); John “Bricky” Crivello (about 400 feet away); 400th Anniversary of the Naming of Monterey Bay by Gen. Sebastián Vizcaíno (about 400 feet away); Earthquake Bell (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monterey.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 749 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 7, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5. submitted on February 18, 2013. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.