Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo is recorded as the first person to see the Bay in November 17, 1542. Sixty years later, in December 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno became the first European to set foot on the Bay, which he officially claimed as "Monte Ray Bay" after Spain's Count of Monte Ray. As the Spanish presence in the region grew, many missions were built throughout the region, and Monterey eventually became the capital of both Alta (upper) and Baja (lower) California in 1776.
1822 brought Mexico's independence from Spain and California's allegiance shifting to the victor nation. The switching of hands saw the conversion of the region's missions into ranchos. Mexico opened California to international trade and Monterey became a primary port of entry for the area, coinciding with a boom in demand for leather from the newly-established ranchos.
The Mexican-American War led to the acquisition of present-day California, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, as well as parts of Arizona. It is during the city's time under Mexico when a number of "historic" firsts occurred, such as the establishment of California's first theater, brick house, public library, and printing press, which produced California's first newspaper, The Californian. US Navy Chaplain Walter Colton was appointed to serve as the city's first American Alcade, serving duties of both Mayor and Judge. The area's first public building, Colton Hall, was established in his honor, originally to serve as a town hall and school, though it would lead to much more.
Colton Hall hosted California's first constitutional convention in 1849, which brought about the documents necessary for statehood. On September 9, 1850, the U.S. Congress voted to admit California as the thirty-first state of the Union. From there, Monterey has become a gem in California, featuring a number of famous residents including John Steinbeck, Arthur Frank Matthews, and Robert Louis Stevenson. More recently, our city has been recognized as "The Language Capital of the World" due to its efforts in post-secondary language learning.
In Monterey, every street corner is steeped in the echoes of a rich and storied past. Whether you seek to uncover the mysteries of history or simply wish to immerse yourself in the spirit of this venerable city, a visit to its historic landmarks offers a profound connection to its heritage. Join us as we embark on a journey through time, exploring the cherished sites of Monterey—each just a short stroll from our doorstep.
