For History Buffs Only...
French Restaurateur Left Lasting Legacy
How did the transit triangle Simoneau Plaza downtown get its name? Jules
Simoneau, French restaurateur and saloon keeper, operated his business
near the site that bears his name today.
Simoneau is remembered for befriending Robert Louis Stevenson when the
writer visited Monterey in 1879. Although Stevenson had not yet achieved
fame and was almost destitute, Simoneau extended him credit for food and
libations and provided the writer with companionship and conversation.
For the rest of Stevenson’s life, he faithfully sent Jules Simoneau an
autographed copy of every new book he published. In his later years,
Simoneau carried his homemade tamales door-to-door in a wicker basket.
This trade kept him in close contact with his many friends and neighbors.
The Library’s California History Room has a wealth of info about the
people and places from
our historic past. For details, call Dennis Copeland, library archivist,
at 646.3741 or email
copeland@ci.monterey.ca.us
Lower Presidio Historic Park Tells Great Tales
Take some time to visit and learn about this local historic treasure – the
Lower Presidio Historic Park:
In the Spanish and Mexican era, El Castillo (located on the Lower
Presidio) was a focal point contested during the various political
revolts.
After the American seizure of Monterey in 1846, the first U.S. fort built
on the West Coast was established further up the hill. Although abandoned
periodically between 1852 and 1902, the site remained under federal
control and was valued for its panoramic views of the Monterey Bay. During
that time, it became home to the Serra and Sloat Monuments.
In 1902 the Army returned and in 1904 named the site, Presidio of
Monterey, in honor of its Spanish heritage. The Lower Presidio Historic
Park is open to the public.
See feature article on Project Updates for
other historical facts about the park, for info on the Presidio of
Monterey Museum and location and directions to the area.
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