Monterey in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

First Theater in California

— California Historical Landmark No. 136 —

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. First Theater in California Marker

Inscription.
California's First Theatre.
Monterey State Historic Park,
a California State Park.
For more information, go to our website: www.parks.ca.gov/mshp

Erected by Monterey State Historic Park. (Marker Number 136.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.

Location. 36° 36.183′ N, 121° 53.729′ W. Marker is in Monterey, California, in Monterey County. It is at the intersection of Pacific Street and Scott Street, on the left when traveling north on Pacific Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Monterey CA 93940, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Central Coast

and specifically on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Casa del Oro Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Perry House (within shouting distance of this marker); Duarte's Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas Cole House (about 300 feet away); Earthquake Bell (about 300 feet away); Whaling Station

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(about 300 feet away); The Old Whaling Station (about 300 feet away); First Brick House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monterey.

Regarding First Theater in California. In 1934 this building was designated California Historical Landmark No. 136 - First Theater in California. “This building was built about 1844 as a sailor's lodging house by Jack Swan. In 1848 it was commandeered by a group of mustered-out soldiers of Colonel Stevenson's regiment of New Yorkers looking for a place to put on plays and comedies. The theater afterward served as a whaling station, a lookout station having been added to the roof.”

Also see . . .
1. Monterey State Historic Park. This website is featured on the marker. Excerpt:

In later years, the First Theatre was used as a lodging house for whalers but fell into disrepair after Swan's death in 1896. It was purchased in 1906 by California Historic Landmarks League and donated to the State of California. In 1937 and until recently, the Troupers of the Gold Coast staged the first melodramas since the 1850s.
Due to structural deficiencies, California's First Theatre will be closed until further notice.

(Submitted on January 28, 2024.)

First Theater in California image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. First Theater in California

2. Monterey State Historic Park Association. First Theatre history, closing, restoration, and fundraising. (Submitted on June 20, 2024.)

First Theater in California and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

3. First Theater in California and Marker

The marker is at far right.

4. First Theater in California

Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 468 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 28, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on June 20, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.