Monterey in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Old Whaling Station
Where whalers lived and worked
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 29, 2013
1. The Old Whaling Station Marker
Historic photographs courtesy of Monterey Public Library, California History Room.
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.
this page online
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: 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); Casa del Oro Garden (about 400 feet away); 400th Anniversary of the Naming of Monterey Bay by Gen. Sebastián Vizcaíno (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monterey.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Mayo Hayes O'Donnell Library (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 29, 2013
2. The Old Whaling Station and Marker
The marker is visible at the far left of the photo.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 29, 2013
3. The Old Whaling Station (back)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 29, 2013
4. Try-pot in The Old Whaling Station garden
The plaque reads:
Whalers’ Try-pot
This try-pot was used for melting down whale blubber into oil. Pots on whaling ships were positioned side by side on the deck. In Monterey the blubber was cut into pieces and boiled into oil on shore in front of the Old Whaling Station.
Photographed by Genuine Curteich-Chicago
5. The Old Whaling Station Vintage Postcard
The old original Monterey City marker is seen in this older view.
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 1,903 times since then and 93 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.
