Monterey in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Don Gaspar de Portolá
On June 3, 1770, near this spot, Don Gaspar de Portolá, Soldier, Explorer, Patriot of Spain, founded the Presidio and settlement of Monterey.
Erected 1949 by California Centennial Commission, and Monterey History & Art Association. (Marker Number 128.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1602.
Location. 36° 36.262′ N, 121° 53.719′ W. Marker is in Monterey, California, in Monterey County. Marker is on Pacific Street south of Artillary Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 99 Pacific 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. Whaling Station (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Whaling Station (within shouting distance of this marker); First Brick House (within shouting distance of this marker); 400th Anniversary of the Naming of Monterey Bay by Gen. Sebastián Vizcaíno (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Crescent Brand Sardine Company (about 400 feet away); First Theater in California (about 500 feet away); Perry House (about 500 feet away); John “Bricky” Crivello (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monterey.
Regarding Don Gaspar de Portolá. In 1934 this site was designated California Historical Landmark No. 128 - LANDING PLACE OF SEBASTIAN VIZCAINO AND FRAY JUNÍPERO SERRA - “Having entered the harbor the previous evening with his three small vessels, Sebastian Vizcaino landed here on December 17, 1602. Mass was sung by three Carmelite friars and the country taken in the name of the King of Spain. On the same spot, Fray Junípero Serra landed from the San Antonio on June 3, 1770 to join Captain Gaspar de Portolá and Fray Juan Crespí, who had arrived from San Diego overland a week before, in founding the Mission San Carlos de Borroméo de Monterey and the Presidio of Monterey.”
Also see . . .
1. The Portolá Expedition of 1769. For a couple of days the scouts explored the Monterey Peninsula, but the harbor glowingly described by Vizcaíno could not be found. The dejected party determined to proceed northward, still hoping to find the San José awaiting them in the fabulous port. (Submitted on February 7, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
2. Sebastian Vizcaíno's Exploration of Monterey in 1602-1603. Sebastian Vizcaíno, leading a fleet consisting of the ships San Diego and Santo Tomás, and the frigate Tres Reyes, sailed past Carmel Bay and on December 16, 1602 rounded Punta de los Pinos (Point Pinos) and entered the harbor. They named the harbor after the viceroy of Mexico, Don Gaspár de Zúñiga y Acevedo, Count of Monte Rey, who had dispatched the expedition. They were the first known European explorers to reach Monterey. (Submitted on February 7, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 652 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on June 8, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 7, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.