Monterey: In the Hodgepodge of Culture and History

Known as “The Cradle of History” and California’s “First City”, this quaint yet rich with history and culture city of California that is situated along the coasts of the Pacific and Monterey Bay in Northern California sure lives up to its name.

Aside from being California’s first capital of California when it the state was still under the Spanish and Mexican occupation, Monterey also served as the first city to build California’s first establishments. Some of these first buildings include the first brick house, theater, public school, public library and printing press. It was also in this historically celebrated city in which California’s first constitution was drafted in October 1849.

Monterey Information

Among these most visited tourist spots of Monterey are the Archaeological digs and sites that has revealed that the city of Monterey was formerly inhibited by one of the seven the Ohlone groups of California. At present, the remains of these prehistoric groups and an insight of their activities and artifacts can now be viewed in some establishments and universities as the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey Bay Aquarium (one of the largest aquariums in America), Cannery Row and Monterey Fisherman's Wharf.

Monterey is known not only for its famous first, lively fishing industry and archeological resources but also for its residents; among of which are famous artists. Since the city was one of the most noteworthy centers of California painters during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it has then cultivated a variety of talented and brilliant painters. Some of Monterey’s famed painters are the likes of Arthur Frank Mathews, Rowena Meeks Abdy, Percy Gray, Xavier Martinez and Armin Hansen. The beautiful landscape and seascape of Monterey served as backdrops to these well-known artists’ tonalist or En Plein air paintings. 

With its varied sea habitat which is mainly populated by kelp seaweed forests, whales, sea lions and sea otters, scuba diving, going to beaches and fishing have been the more obvious and more popular activities for tourists visiting the city. However, the interesting architecture of some of the colonial houses in Monterey is something not to be ignored.

The Larkin House which was built during the Mexican era is one of the best exemplars of the majesty and saga of these Monterey colonial houses. Colton Hall which was once a public school and government building was the site of California’s first constitutional convention. Other historical establishments that are must-visits while in Monterey include the Old Customhouse, the Old Town and Historic District,

Monterey has even once bested the now more popular city of California in movie making. Amidst most to everyone’s knowledge, an estimated 200 movies have been filmed in the Monterey Country since 1987. The scenic views of the Monterey Peninsula have lured filmmakers around the world. This fact has then inspired the Monterey Movie Tours in which travelers can go to places were some famous international and Hollywood movies have been filmed. Apart from enjoying different scenic views, tourists can even hear the back story and behind-the-scenes tales of these places while aboard a luxury motor coach.

So for anyone who wishes to be part of California’s “firsts”, the city of Monterey should well be first on their list.