Monterey in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Monterey Harbor
□ Look out upon these waters.
□ Their recorded history began when Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sighted the "Bay of Pines" on Nov. 17, 1542.
□ Sebastian Viscaino was first to touch land Dec. 16, 1602. He claimed the land for Spain and named the Harbor for the Viceroy of Mexico, the Count of Monterey.
□ June 3, 1770 is Monterey's birthday. On that day Gaspar de Portola, the soldier, and Padre Junipero Serra, Father of California Missions, joined from land and sea to form the first settlement.
□ For 76 years this was the capital of Spanish and Mexican California. Here was the Royal Chapel, the Presidio, and the only Custom House. They still stand nearby.
□ In 1818, Bouchard, the Argentine privateer, sailed into the Bay and sacked the town. In 1842, Commodore T. Ap Catesby Jones, U.S. Navy, under the mistaken belief that war had been declared against Mexico, seized the port but withdrew after three days.
□ On July 7, 1846, war actually having been declared, Commander John Drake Sloat, commanding a squadron of three ships, raised the 28 star flag of the United States over the Custom House, taking possession of a great Western territory, now forming all or part of seven states.
□ Three years later, in 1849, many delegates to the State's constitutional convention arrived by ship.
□ On these sands in 1879 walked Robert Louis Stevenson, dreaming the plot for "Treasure Island".
□ From 1854 until the early 1900's, Monterey was a whaling port and the beaches were white with whalebone. Sails came to dot the bay. Later, in the 1930's, here was the greatest sardine fishery in the world.
□ Look out again upon these waters. Monterey Harbor is small but it has made history.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Notable Events • War, Mexican-American • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Portolá Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 3, 1866.
Location. 36° 36.171′ N, 121° 53.571′ W. Marker is in Monterey, California, in Monterey County. Marker is on Monterey Bay Coastal Trail. 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. Monterey Customhouse (within shouting distance of 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 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Custom House (about 300 feet away); Site of Original Flagstaff (about 300 feet away); Sloat's Landing (about 300 feet away); Old Fisherman's Wharf (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monterey.
More about this marker. The marker is mounted on a stone monument approximately 200 feet to the east of the entrance to Old Fisherman's Wharf. The marker is most easily approached on foot. However, if driving, one can get quite close to the marker by parking in the west side of the marina parking lot, accessible just off of Del Monte Avenue.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,573 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 4, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on May 4, 2010. 4. submitted on May 4, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 5. submitted on May 4, 2010. 6. submitted on May 4, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 7. submitted on March 2, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.