History

Monterey Turns 250 Years Old on June 3, 2020!
Here are a few Monterey "firsts" for California that show just how unique and important Monterey is to California history.

  • First Mass Performed in California (1602)
  • First Foreign Ships to Visit Spanish California (1786)
  • First California Condor Known to Science Described and Observed (1792)
  • First Building Designed by an Architect in California (Royal Presidio Chapel, 1794)
  • First Custom House in California (1827 and only Custom House until 1845)
  • First Printing Press in California (1834)
  • First French Consulate in California (1843)
  • First Jury Trial (1846)
  • First Official Raising of the American Flag (1846)
  • First American Public Building in California (Colton Hall constructed from 1847 to 1849)
  • First Theater in California (1846)
  • California's First Constitution and Constitutional Convention (1849)
  • California's First Capital (of Spanish province of Alta California, 1770)
  • California's First Newspaper (The Californian, 1846)
  • California's First Brick House (1847)
  • California's First Public Library (Monterey, 1849)
  • California's First Pre-Fab Framed house (1850)
  • California's First Marketed Cheese (1859)
  • Destination of the First Oil Pipeline in California (1904)
  • First California State Historical Monument (1938)
  • California’s First Scenic Highway (1965)