The Customs HouseIn prehistoric times the Rumsen Ohlone tribe, one of seven linguistically distinct Ohlone groups in California, inhabited the area now known as Monterey. They lived a subsistance life of hunting, fishing and gathering in what has been deduced as a biologically rich Monterey Peninsula. The most prominent archeological resources extant here are shell middens, the garbage dumps of these early peoples. We can infer from midden contents that the Rumsen Ohlone consumed mussel and abalone as the chief marine staples. The principal archaeological sites that have been mapped are located between the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Naval Postgraduate School, within about 2000 feet (610 m) of the coastline.
First established in 1770 by Father Junípero Serra and Gaspar de Portolà, Monterey served as the capital of California from 1777 to 1849, under the flags of Spain and Mexico. Portola erected the Presidio of Monterey to defend the port against expected Russian invasion. It was also the site of the July 7, 1846, Battle of Monterey during the Mexican-American War. It was on this date that John D. Sloat, Commodore in the United States Navy, raised the U.S. flag over the Monterey Customs House and claimed California for the United States.
Jellyfish at the Monterey Bay AquariumIn addition, many California "firsts" occurred in Monterey. These include California's first theater, brick house, publicly funded school, public building, public library, and printing press. California's first constitution was also drafted here in October 1849.
Monterey had long been famous for the abundant fishery in Monterey Bay. That changed in the 1950s, when the local fishery business collapsed due to overfishing. A few of the old fishermen's cabins from the early twentieth century have been preserved as they stood along Cannery Row (photo above). The famous Cannery Row has now been turned into a tourist attraction, with restaurants and shops in the historical site. It is also the location of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In June 1967 the city was the venue of the Monterey Pop Festival. Some have dubbed Monterey "the cradle of history."
Monterey has a noteworthy history as a center for California painters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Such painters as Arthur Frank Mathews, Armin Hansen, Xavier Martinez, Rowena Meeks Abdy and Percy Gray lived or visited to pursue painting in the style of either En plein air or Tonalism.
In addition to painters many noted authors through the years have also lived in and around the Monterey area such as John Steinbeck, Robinson Jeffers, Robert A. Heinlein, Henry Miller, Ed Ricketts, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
[edit] Attractions
Colton HallThe city is famed for its abundant sea habitat, including kelp seaweed forests, sea otters and sea lions. The large diversity of sealife draws thousands of scuba divers each year to Monterey, which is considered one of the best regions for the sport in California.
Monterey is also the location of one of the largest aquariums in North America, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and hosts several important marine science laboratories. Monterey's geographic location gives scientists access to the deep sea within hours. Just miles off the shores of Monterey is Monterey Canyon, an underwater canyon two miles (3.2 km) deep.
The Larkin House, a part of the Monterey State Historic Park and a National Historic Landmark, was built in the Mexican period by Thomas Oliver Larkin and is an early example of Monterey Colonial architecture. The old Custom House, the town historic district and the Royal Presidio Chapel are also National Historic Landmarks. The Cooper-Molera Adobe is a National Trust Historic Site.
Colton Hall, built in 1849 by Walter Colton, was originally a public school and government meeting place. It also hosted California's first constitutional convention. Today it houses a museum, while adjacent buildings serve as the seat of local government.
Other well known attractions close to the city of Monterey are:
Carmel-by-the-Sea
17 mile scenic drive
Pebble Beach golf resort
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Monterey is the location of the Naval Postgraduate School, Presidio of Monterey, Monterey Institute of International Studies and Monterey Peninsula College. Monterey is served by Monterey Peninsula Airport and local bus Service is provided by Monterey Salinas Transit.
[edit] Environmental features and geography
2007-02-02 10:33:51
·
answer #1
·
answered by kapple0913 2
·
0⤊
1⤋
The Aquarium there is AWESOME.
Also try
Colton Hall Museum (831) 646-5640
Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum (831) 375-3770
Ventana Vineyards (831) 372-7415
The Larkin House (don't know the # sorry)
Best thing to do is just go for a drive, the scenery around there is amazing.
2007-02-02 10:34:06
·
answer #2
·
answered by ♥chelley♥ 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
There are some wonderful wineries in Monterey and the Carmel Valley. If you are interested in wine tasting, the wineries can be a fun thing to do.
2007-02-03 12:43:09
·
answer #3
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
do the 17 miles drive thru carmel/pebble beach,, before you go thru the paid gates, pick ups some items at albertson/safeway for a little picnic, stop by the ocean side and have lunch...
2007-02-02 11:26:43
·
answer #4
·
answered by tshark44 5
·
0⤊
0⤋