Explore Monterey's military history from the Spanish Empire to the present day.
The Presidio of Monterey Museum exhibits lead visitors through Monterey's various stages of military development from the indigenous period which highlights the area's native populations; through the Spanish and Mexican periods; and up to present day. Because of the important role of the military in Monterey between 1902 and today, the majority of the museum is dedicated to the development of the Presidio as a training base.
The Museum and Lower Presidio Historic Park were created by a partnership between the City of Monterey and the Presidio of Monterey. While the Monterey Peninsula is known for its significant cultural treasures, the Presidio of Monterey is not so well known for the history of human presence on the site for the last 7,000 years. To find out more about the history of the Lower Presidio and plans for development of the Lower Presidio Historic Park, see the
Lower Presidio Historic Park Master Plan below:
Museums and Cultural Arts Mission Statement:
We share Monterey's stories, serving as places of learning, inspiration and engagement with our history and heritage.