The Spanish capital that became an American art colony

History · Published 19 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before it was a hub for marine biology and jazz, Monterey served as the seat of power for empires. From Spanish viceroys to Mexican departments, this coastal peninsula has functioned as a strategic gateway—and a cultural crucible—for over four centuries.

The history of Monterey is defined by its role as a primary port of entry and administrative center. Originally inhabited by the Costanoan people (specifically the Rumsen Ohlone tribe), the area was first sighted by Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542. In 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno named it in honor of the count of Monte Rey, the viceroy of New Spain. By 1770, Gaspar de Portolá established a military presidio there, and Junípero Serra founded Mission San Carlos Borroméo nearby.

Monterey’s political significance peaked in the late 18th century. It was named the capital of Alta California in 1775 (or 1777 by some records), serving as the military and administrative headquarters for both Alta and Baja California. This status continued under Mexican rule until the Mexican War of Independence. The transition to American control occurred in 1846, when Commodore John Drake Sloat seized the area for the United States, raising the American flag over the town’s presidio.

Following the conquest, Monterey hosted California's first constitutional convention in 1849 at Colton Hall before losing its status as county seat to Salinas in 1873. While it once thrived as a leading fishing and whaling port, the late 19th century saw a shift toward the arts. The area became an art colony for writers and creatives, providing the backdrop for John Steinbeck’s famous novels like Cannery Row (1945). Today, its identity is split between high-level military education—home to the Naval Postgraduate School—and world-class tourism centered on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

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