 Located
in Simoneau Plaza (Transit Station) are four flagpoles. Flying on each of
them, are flags that have flown over Monterey. The flags represent four
countries that have unfurled their banners, beginning in 1602, over
Monterey.
First, is the Spanish who arrived here in 1602,and then returned June 3,
1770 to establish the Presidio and Mission at Monterey. For a few days in
Oct. 1818 the Argentine Privateer Hipólito Bouchard occupied Monterey during
the Argentine war for independence. In Sept.1822 word reached Monterey that
Mexico had won its freedom from Spain and that California, hence Monterey,
were now part of the Mexican Empire. The Mexican flag graced Monterey’s sky
until 1846 when United States’ forces seized the pueblo during the Mexican
American War. Since that time the Stars and Stripes have flown over
Monterey.
Although only four countries have had flags to fly over Monterey each of
those countries have had changes in their standards that have altered the
flags. These changes are often represented by the change in the flag that is
flying over Simoneau Plaza on a given day. Therefore, when looking at the
flags at the Plaza, keep in mind that each flag represents the period
when Spain, Argentina, Mexico or the United States had jurisdiction in
Monterey. |
Also
see...
> The City of Monterey Flag
> Flag Advisories
|
