 Custom House
The Building
As California Historic Landmark #1, the oldest government building
in California, the Custom House depicts the Mexican (1822-1846) and early
American (1846-47) periods of California history.
In 1846, Commodore Sloat landed on this site and, proclaiming the
annexation of California by the US., and hoisting the Stars 'n Stripes.
This peaceful takeover was ratified two years later by the Treaty of
Guadalupe-Hidalgo, which ended the US.-Mexican War, ceding half of
Mexico's territory to the US.
Though visited by Spanish navigators as early as
1602, Alta California was only actively colonized by Spain for a
fifty-year period (1769-1821) during which the various missions, presidios
and pueblos were established. The Spanish monarchy discouraged trade
whereas the newly independent Mexican republic encouraged it. As capital
of both Alta and Baja California, Monterey became the requisite port of
entry for the entire region.
Historically, the shoreline was literally on the Custom House
doorstep. (The apron of land between the Custom House and the Harbor,
created in the 1898 to extend the Southern Pacific Railway, has become the
popular Recreation Trail.) Cargo would be displayed on deck or along the
beach for review by the customs agent, who might levy a duty of up to 100
percent. The local populace celebrated the arrival of these "floating
general stores" because they brought necessities as well, as luxuries
to a remote region lacking local manufacture.
The northern part of the Custom House dates to 1827, with
subsequent additions made over time.
The Gardens
Recent electrical modifications to Custom House Plaza,
requiring excavation of the garden, provided the opportunity for
comprehensive replanting with an outstanding collection of succulents,
cacti and accent plants. The building and grounds, part of the Monterey
State Historic Park, are managed by the California Department of Parks and
Recreation, with assistance in the garden from the Historic Garden League.
Visit Map for location in
the Path of History.
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