The Magnificant Condor
The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is an ancient species that once soared from Mexico to Canada. In 1805 Lewis and Clark were the first explorers to record condors for western science. When they . . . — — Map (db m196817) HM
Andrew Molera State Park was once part of a Mexican land grant known as the Rancho El Sur. Though granted in 1834 to Juan Bautista Alvarado, later governor of the province, it was soon acquired by his uncle, J.B.R. Cooper, Cooper was a Monterey sea . . . — — Map (db m144646) HM
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, most settlements in Big Sur had only narrow trails to connect them to Monterey in the north and San Simeon in the south. Bulky items too large to be carried by mules had only one way in or out - by sea. But the . . . — — Map (db m197535) HM
The Esselen, the native people of Big Sur, were one of the smallest tribes in California. Due to their small population and proximity to three Spanish missions they were severely impacted by European contact and domination. For many decades, the . . . — — Map (db m197531) HM
Well into the 20th century, travel by land along California's coast was arduous and time consuming. Steamships and schooners offered a faster and more reliable means of transporting goods and people over long distances. The main landings along the . . . — — Map (db m197532) HM
A luxurious home enjoyed magnificent views from this site.
These walls and terraces are all that remain of a residence built in 1940 for Lathrop and Helen Hooper Brown. The Browns decorated the house with art by Degas, Dufy and Gauguin. . . . — — Map (db m68633) HM
The Draw of Creative Minds
Wild ocean vistas, sculpted rocks, bold mountains, secluded arroyos, verdant creeks, fog-shrouded redwoods, and the rugged solitude of Big Sur have inspired artists for generations. Writers, poets, . . . — — Map (db m271185) HM
Capitol of Monterey County’s Los Burros Mining District.
In the spring of 1887 the Last Chance Mine was discovered by W.D. Cruikshank and later worked by the Krinkle family. Down the hill (from the mine) around this spot, a thriving town of . . . — — Map (db m68653) HM
This rocky point, connected to the mainland by a sand spit, is a geologic formation called a tombolo. Because of its prominence, Point Sur provided an excellent location for a lighthouse and fog signal to warn ships of the hazardous coastline and . . . — — Map (db m200912) HM
In the aftermath of the California Gold Rush, many newcomers decided to put down roots in the West. But would-be farmers and ranchers soon found that rancho grants had claimed much of the best and most accessible agricultural valley and grazing . . . — — Map (db m197536) HM
Spanish explorers and later New England hide and tallow traders found the Big Sur coastline a great hazard. Heavy fogs and extreme winds caused the wreck of many vessels on this coast. The Gold Rush of 1849 dramatically increased coastal shipping. A . . . — — Map (db m68643) HM
Limekiln
In the 1870s and 1880s, locally quarried limestone was kilned (smelted) in four huge wood-fired kilns. The powdered lime was then packed in barrels and cabled from the canyon down to the beach and out to ocean-going schooners . . . — — Map (db m196815) HM
Drawn to this wild, remote coast
Traveling the difficult route along the coast in October of 1869, Michael and Babara Pfeiffer were forced to winter in Big Sur and decided to stay. Their daughter, Julia, was just 11 months old at the time. . . . — — Map (db m68634) HM
In memory of those enlisted men who received their basic training at the Infantry Replacement Training Centre, Camp Roberts, California as members of “B” and “C” Companies of the 80th Infantry Training Battalion from August . . . — — Map (db m64422) WM
5-6 March 1976
The mochila was passed between the San Luis Obispo and Monterey County contingents at this site on this date commemorating
The United States Bicentennial — — Map (db m64426) HM
Located in the valley of the San Antonio River within the Santa Lucia Range, Misión San Antonio de Padua, established on July 14, 1771, was the third in a series of missions founded in Alta California by Father Junípero Serra. Its picturesque . . . — — Map (db m79130) HM
Located along the south bank of the San Antonio River it was at the junction of Pleyto Road and the road to Bradley. The town of Pleyto now lies under the waters of Lake San Antonio.
As early as 1796, the area was known as Pleito or El Pleito. . . . — — Map (db m64420) HM
This property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places
by the United States Fepartment of the Interior
Whalers Cabin
built by Chinese fishermen
c. 1851 — — Map (db m308713) HM
Honoring
Four Early Americans in California
They came to this coast as seamen and remained as settlers
Baptized in this Mission
George Mayo, of Plymouth, Mass., on 3 August, 1816
Thomas W. Doak, of Boston, Mass., on 22 November, 1816 . . . — — Map (db m63684) HM
Junípero Serra
Serra played a decisive role in the European settlement of the New World. He was born Miquel José Serra in Petra on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca on November 24, 1713. Though not an assuming figure and plagued by ill . . . — — Map (db m143467) HM
Remember
"The Forgotten War"
Korea
June 25, 1950 - July 27, 1953
To honor those brave Americans
who under trying circumstances
fought and gave their lives
to defend their country
and the cause of freedom.
...may God . . . — — Map (db m41105) WM
Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista De Anza by decree of Carlos III of Spain. Led an expedition to this site the mission being to colonize the San Francisco Bay Area. De Anza Expedition 1775 - 1776 — — Map (db m83335) HM
On December 10, 1769, the Portola Crespi Expedition from Mexico erected a cross on this hill to signal its long-overdue supply ship San Jose. A message at the cross stated that they were suffering great privation and were returning to San Diego. The . . . — — Map (db m68862) HM
To the memory of
Carmel's Servicemen
whose blood was shed
that we might live
John Arnn 1965
Carlito L. Dorsey 1966
Rudolph G. Antone 1967
Frank DeAmaral Jr. 1967
Robert C. L. Fergusson 1967
Larry Larson 1967
James . . . — — Map (db m41121) HM
This memorial
is dedicated to the men of
Carmel who responded to
their country's call during
World War I
We Salute Them
Restored and rededicated
November 11, 1977 — — Map (db m41106) HM
In memory of Carmel servicemen
who gave their lives during WW II
Gordon Bain, RAF, 1942
Carlyle Lewis, US Air Corps, 1942
Billy B. Jenkins, US Navy, 1942
Ted Leidig, USN Air Corps, 1943
Earl P. Parkes, US Air Corps, 1943
Peter . . . — — Map (db m41118) HM
Here at the gateway to Carmel Beach, the Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club began a dunes restoration project in 2009 to correct a century of human disturbance which had greatly altered the natural state of the dunes.
The dunes are classified as . . . — — Map (db m296847) HM
Robert F. Ford (1907-1979) knew he was "home" when he passed by this meadow. A generous donor to the work of the Del Monte Forest Conservancy, this meadow was dedicated to his memory on August 26, 1981. — — Map (db m296770) HM
The Early Days: 1860s to 1930s
Castro founded the town in 1863
Juan Bautista Castro, from an important California family, subdivided his rancho to establish a town. He was the first in the county to offer lots to attract . . . — — Map (db m63772) HM
From its founding, Castroville has been home to immigrants. They came from many countries to make better lives for themselves and their children. Then, as now, the immigrants primarily worked in the fields nearby.
Japanese immigrants wanted their . . . — — Map (db m63714) HM
Even though Monterey cypress trees prefer this area's rugged bare granite headlands, the Lone Cypress is a testament to the hardiness of these trees. It has withstood Pacific storms and winds for roughly 250 years. Fences and cables now offer added . . . — — Map (db m8476) HM
Early mariners mistook Point Joe as the entrance to Monterey Bay, making it the site of many shipwrecks. In the early 1900s, a man named Joe lived in a driftwood hut here, selling trinkets to tourists and tending goats. It is debated whether Joe . . . — — Map (db m296617) HM
The first U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach drew unprecedented attention to the most coveted championship in women's golf. Just two days after Michelle Wie West bid her competitive career a grand farewell, fellow Hawaiian Allisen Corpuz made six . . . — — Map (db m297384) HM
Future LPGA Founding Member and Hall of Famer Betty Jameson successfully defended her U.S. Women's Amateur title with a convincing 6-and-5 victory in the final. — — Map (db m297124) HM
This wildlife hub is buzzing with birds, harbor seals and belching sea lions. Bird Rock was actually covered in 4 to 5 feet of pelican and cormorant guano until 1930, when it was harvested as a fertilizer. Sea lions took advantage of the . . . — — Map (db m296618) HM
Crocker Grove is home to the largest and oldest Monterey Cypress trees in existence. It is named after Charles Crocker, one of the railroad barons responsible for building the luxurious Hotel Del Monte in Monterey and the original 17-Mile Drive . . . — — Map (db m296761) HM
A two-time All-American at the University of Texas, future PGA Tour winner David Gossett never trailed after the seventh hole of any match and closed out the final 9-and-8 to record one of the most convincing wins in championship history. — — Map (db m297128) HM
During Pebble Beach's Centennial, Gary Woodland executed exquisite shotmaking down the stretch, including a daring 3-wood to set up birdie on the 14th and a par-saving pitch from the putting surface on the pivotal 17th, to hold off two-time . . . — — Map (db m297130) HM
The best player in women's amateur golf in 1948 was a 21-year-old named Grace Lenczyk, who won the U.S. Women's Amateur at Pebble Beach in addition to the Canadian Women's Amateur and the National Collegiate Women's Championship. — — Map (db m297125) HM
Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell rallied from a three-stroke final-round deficit to become the first European to win the U.S. Open in 40 years, finishing at even-par to hold off Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Dustin Johnson. — — Map (db m297129) HM
In the first national championship held west of the Mississippi River, Minnesota's Harrison Johnston captured the title after two-time defending champion and heavy favorite Bobby Jones was upset in round one. — — Map (db m297168) HM
In the first U.S. Open ever played at a public course, Jack Nicklaus sealed his win with one of the best shots in Major Championship history, a 1-iron through a bending wind at the famed 17th hole that hit the flag stick and left him with a . . . — — Map (db m297126) HM
Jack Nicklaus' love for Pebble Beach was born in 1961, when he recorded victories of 9-and-8 in the semifinal and 8-and-6 in the final to capture his second U.S. Amateur title. Nicklaus was 20-under through 136 holes in the seven matches he . . . — — Map (db m297171) HM
In the first Major Championship ever decided by a sudden-death playoff, Lanny Wadkins sank a four-foot par putt on the third extra hole to top Gene Littler, completing a six-stroke final-round comeback. — — Map (db m297174) HM
In this grove are the oldest Monterey cypress trees - some nearly 300 years old. These trees occur naturally only here and at Pt. Lobos south of Carmel; all others have been planted. The grove, named after a founding family of this area, became a . . . — — Map (db m296764) HM
No public course in the United States can match the Major championship pedigree of Pebble Beach Golf Links. Built by amateur golfers Jack Neville and Douglas Grant in 1919, Pebble Beach hosted its sixth U.S. Open in 2019, to go along with five . . . — — Map (db m296768) HM
The 1942 championship at Pebble Beach was postponed during World War II, but when it returned, two-time Walker Cup veteran Skee Riegel emerged victorious in a 210-man match play field. — — Map (db m297169) HM
Sam Morse was a preservationist long before fashionable. In 1915, he was sent by the Pacific Improvement Company to liquidate its land holdings in the region, including the area now known as Pebble Beach. Instead of pursuing the liquidation, . . . — — Map (db m83309) HM
In 1947, Bing Crosby brought to Pebble Beach the original Pro-Am tournament, which pairs celebrity entertainers, athletes, and business leaders with the greatest professional golfers from around the world. Affectionately known then as the "Crosby . . . — — Map (db m296852) HM
In one of the most dominant performances in golf history, Tiger Woods shot 12-under to crush the field by a record 15 strokes. The win was the first of four straight Majors for Woods, the beginning of the "Tiger Slam." — — Map (db m297382) HM
Tom Kite held steady in Sunday's gale-force winds to win his first Major, closing with an impressive even-par 72 to defeat Jeff Sluman by two strokes. — — Map (db m297380) HM
Tied with Jack Nicklaus in the final round, Tom Watson miraculously chipped in from deep rough off the 17th green for birdie to vault into the lead. Watson added a birdie on 18 to win his first U.S. Open, one of eight career Major titles. — — Map (db m297127) HM
Viktor Hovland, a First-Team All-American at Oklahoma State, trailed for just one hole the entire week en route to becoming the first Norwegian to claim the Havemeyer Trophy. — — Map (db m297383) HM
On September 26, 1836, Teodoro Gonzalez received a grant to the 15,218.62 acre Rancho Rincon de la Puente de Monte (“nook of the point of the woods”). Teodoro’s sons, Alfredo and Mariano, laid out a town on the Rancho and assured its . . . — — Map (db m64256) HM
Panel 1
Dedicated to
The Men and Women
Of this Community
Who served
In the Armed Forces
Of the United States
World War II
Erected in Gratitude
By
The Community
1946
Panel 2:
Dedicated to
The . . . — — Map (db m64258) WM
The legend of “the mustard seed trail” is rooted in the Portola expedition which travelled through the Ohlone tribal lands with a wagon containing sacks of mustard seeds. These seeds were spread behind them as they travelled north in the winter, . . . — — Map (db m64255) HM
(There are two markers mounted on the monument.)
Upper Marker:
Built in 1873, it is the oldest structure in Gonzales. It became a saloon in 1890 and has never strayed from such an honorable enterprise since that time.
Lower . . . — — Map (db m64257) HM
Upper Marker:
Back in the 1970s, where the mountains reach the river, Metz field was just that, a field. In 1973, a fella by the name of Wayne Handley built a runway, a hanger, a chemical loading facility and hauled in a mobile home office . . . — — Map (db m166819) HM
Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza by decree of Carlos III of Spain led an expedition to this site – The mission being to colonize the San Francisco Bay Area.
In the center of the marker is a circular motif, designed by Doris . . . — — Map (db m61384) HM
First Marriage in California took place at this Mission between Juan Maria Ruiz of El Fuerte, Sonora, Mexico, 25 years of age, and Margarita de Cortona, 22, a Salinan woman of Mission San Antonio, on the sixteenth of May in the year of Our Lord 1773 — — Map (db m51561) HM
This historical property was placed on the National Register of historic places on June 7, 1974. Please do not damage or in any way deface this property.
Violator Will Be Prosecuted
US Government Property — — Map (db m64416) HM
Designed by
Julia Morgan, Architect
For
William Randolph Hearst
Completed 1950
Placed on the
National Register
Of
Historic Places
December 2, 1977 — — Map (db m64334) HM
Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza by decree of Carlos III of Spain led an expedition near this site – the mission being to colonize the San Francisco Bay Area. — — Map (db m64415) HM
In 1849, Antonio Ramirez built a small adobe on the El Camino Real, near the site of the ancient Indian village, Holamna. As a main artery to California's gold fields, the El Camino Real brought many travelers past Ramirez's place. He transformed . . . — — Map (db m59785) HM
The town of Jolon (pronounced Hōe-Lōne) was established in the 1860s to meet the needs of miners traveling to the Los Burros Mining District on the coast. It later developed into the center of commercial and social activity in southern . . . — — Map (db m59783) HM
La Gloria School was first organized in 1873. The present schoolhouse was built in 1887 and remained in continuous use until 1960. Orginally located southeast of Gonzales, the schoolhouse was move to San Lorenzo Park in 1980. La Gloria . . . — — Map (db m64336) HM
Founded by Father Junipero Serra July 14, 1774. Most picturesque setting. First mass was celebrated in presence of one Indian. Later congregation grew to a thousand neophytes. Famous for its fine horses and expert vaqueros. — — Map (db m154381) HM
Salinas Valley Cookwagon, c1888
Originally owned by Paul Talbot, this cookwagon was used on the Henry Dunphy Ranch, now the Salinas Land Co. The Smart brothers purchased the wagon in the 1930’s and used it into the 1940’s. Under the direction . . . — — Map (db m64338) HM
“The mouth of this valley opens into Monterey Bay, like a funnel, and the northwest wind from the Pacific draws up through this heated flue with terrible force. Sometimes the wind would nearly sweep us from our mules – it seemed nothing . . . — — Map (db m64414) HM
On July 8, 1885, Lair Patterson applied for new post office located 7 miles south-east of Jolon and asked that it be named Lockwood Post Office. While records in the National Archives do not show the reason for his selection, it has been assumed by . . . — — Map (db m149113) HM
Soldiers once guarded this shoreline against sea-borne attack, but one force proved too powerful to stop. Coastal erosion, the wearing away of these bluffs and beaches by ocean waves, has been steadily moving the coastline inland here since sea . . . — — Map (db m157374) HM
Soldiers once guarded this shoreline against sea-borne attack, but one force proved too powerful to stop. Coastal erosion, the wearing away of these bluffs and beaches by ocean waves, has been steadily moving the coastline inland here since sea . . . — — Map (db m157375) HM
Four miles of beaches and nearly 1000 acres of coastal dunes became part of the California State Parks system in 2007, after superfund cleanup activities were completed on this section of the former Fort Ord Military Reservation. Army use preserved . . . — — Map (db m68884) HM
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers, and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most . . . — — Map (db m143558) HM
For the two million servicemen and women who passed through Fort Ord, the entertainment center that once occupied this site provided welcome relief from rigorous military training. The Soldier’s Club, later renamed Stilwell Hall, featured a huge . . . — — Map (db m68882) HM
From World War II until Fort Ord’s closure in 1994, there dunes echoed with the sound of small arms fire. Rifle and machine gun ranges here gave thousands of U.S. Army Infantrymen the marksmanship skills needed to serve their nation in times of both . . . — — Map (db m68885) HM
Around you are the remains of a portion of the U.S. Army’s Fort Ord. In fact, you are standing on what’s left of the parking lot for Stilwell Hall, once an elegant Soldier’s Club.
The Army base, closed in 1994, and surrounding land was eventually . . . — — Map (db m68880) HM
This anchor is from one of four 19th Century sailing ships wrecked off Stillwater Cove, and placed here by the Monterey History and Art Association in 1972. — — Map (db m63426) HM
This date marks the 400th anniversary of the naming of Monterey Bay by Gen. Sebastián Vizcaíno, commissioned by Don Gaspár Zúñiga y Acevedo, Count of Monte Rey. Near this place, called Acasta and Hummukul by the Ohlone/Constanoan Esselen Nation, Fr. . . . — — Map (db m68622) HM
This steel, salvaged from the rubble of the World Trade Center Towers, honors all those who have lost their lives as a result of all the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001. It points east toward Ground Zero in eternal remembrance. . . . — — Map (db m210137) WM
A chorus of cannery whistles, each with its own unique call, summoned the Cannery Row workforce. Men and women in rubber boots and oilcloth aprons showed up to clean, cut, pack, cook and can sardines that were a major part of Monterey’s economy for . . . — — Map (db m55104) HM
This plaza is dedicated in honor of an exemplary naval combat commander of WWII. The Great American victories of Midway, the Marshalls, the Philippine Sea, Iwo Jima and Okinawa are symbols of his special genius. In a similar fashion he achieved . . . — — Map (db m226350) HM
Built in the 1830’s by Juan Bautista Alvarado, first Monterey-born governor of California. Originally a three room adobe with a tule roof. — — Map (db m63350) HM
The people of the Second Royal Spanish Presidio supported the American Colonies through their military preparedness and financial contributions following the Royal Spanish Decree of June 21, 1779. Their support directly aided the victory and . . . — — Map (db m63505) HM
In 1904 the Coalinga Oil Transportation Company laid 168 miles of six-inch pipeline from the Belridge Field in San Joaquin Valley to the Tidewater-Associated Marine Terminal on Monterey Bay (top). Its purpose was to deliver heavy fuel oil for use in . . . — — Map (db m55215) HM
On November 20, 1818, in the closing years of the Spanish Era, Capitan Hippolyte Bouchard entered Monterey Bay with two ships, flying the flag of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata, Argentina. The next day, one ship attacked the Spanish . . . — — Map (db m66555) HM
Roofing contractor Charles L. Frost (top) supervises his crew hot mopping a Monterey cannery roof. Concentrated along the shoreline, the fish processing plants were subject to storm damage. In addition, changes were required to accommodate new . . . — — Map (db m55079) HM
Monterey's world-famous sardine industry depended on the courage and skill of cannery divers. Sardines were pumped ashore from floating hoppers through underwater pipes that had to be installed, repaired, replaced, realigned and maintained in order . . . — — Map (db m30004) HM
Captain Don Gaspar de Portola
Of the army of King Carlos III of Spain. First governor of California, 1768-1770. With Father Junipero Serra founded Monterey on June 3, 1770.
Donated by H. M. King Juan Carlos of Spain to the City of Monterey . . . — — Map (db m63525) HM
One of the best examples of Monterey Colonial architecture in California. Finished about 1850 by Jose Amesti who came from Spain in 1822. — — Map (db m63449) HM
The original "Sherman Rose
Adobe," moved from its site on
Alvarado Street. The old Sherman
Rose still flourishes over the arbor. — — Map (db m234979) HM
Built about 1820 by Don Antonio Buelna, a Mexican soldier and school teacher. Senora Hillaria Buelna held the first school for girls in Monterey here. — — Map (db m63568) HM
