Monterey was home to California's first theater, first brick building, first school, and was in fact the state's first city. It enjoys a veritable trove of historic monuments with regards to California's past. The city has been home to Native Americans, Spanish conquistadors, Mexican officials, and finally, American settlers. In addition to its history, the city has been home to number of significant artists and writers, as well as its own brand of cheese. Scenic Monterey has seen many firsts in California's rich, wild history.
Located on the sleepy central Californian coast, Monterey is renown throughout the United States for the diversity and abundance of marine wildlife. Naturally, and perhaps ironically, Monterey was once famous for its heavily trafficked fishery. To be sure, the Native American Ohlone tribe subsisted for generations on the plentiful marine life in the Peninsula.
As is the case with California, the first European settlers in the area were Spanish. In 1770, Father Junipero Serra and Gaspar de Portola were given control of the region by the Spanish crown and, as a result, Monterey served as the capital of both Spanish and Mexican California from 1777 to 1849. It was not until the Mexican-American War that the United States took control of the region and the capitol moved to Sacramento.
Though Cannery Row was once famous as fishing and canning center, it has since been preserved as a tourist attraction when the fishing industry collapsed due to over-fishing in the mid-Fifties. The area is now replete with gentrified cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Ironically, the main attraction on the Row is still fish, but now in the form of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Not surprisingly, a number of American and international artists and writers have been drawn to the city because of its scenic qualities. The list of resident painters includes Percy Gray, Rowena Meeks, Xavier Martinez, and Arthur Frank Mathews. The list of writers is equally impressive. At one time or another the following writer called Monterey home: John Steinbeck, Robert Heinlein, Henry Miller, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Prospective visitors are encouraged to research the array of accommodating Monterey hotels and come visit.
Located on the sleepy central Californian coast, Monterey is renown throughout the United States for the diversity and abundance of marine wildlife. Naturally, and perhaps ironically, Monterey was once famous for its heavily trafficked fishery. To be sure, the Native American Ohlone tribe subsisted for generations on the plentiful marine life in the Peninsula.
As is the case with California, the first European settlers in the area were Spanish. In 1770, Father Junipero Serra and Gaspar de Portola were given control of the region by the Spanish crown and, as a result, Monterey served as the capital of both Spanish and Mexican California from 1777 to 1849. It was not until the Mexican-American War that the United States took control of the region and the capitol moved to Sacramento.
Though Cannery Row was once famous as fishing and canning center, it has since been preserved as a tourist attraction when the fishing industry collapsed due to over-fishing in the mid-Fifties. The area is now replete with gentrified cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Ironically, the main attraction on the Row is still fish, but now in the form of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Not surprisingly, a number of American and international artists and writers have been drawn to the city because of its scenic qualities. The list of resident painters includes Percy Gray, Rowena Meeks, Xavier Martinez, and Arthur Frank Mathews. The list of writers is equally impressive. At one time or another the following writer called Monterey home: John Steinbeck, Robert Heinlein, Henry Miller, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Prospective visitors are encouraged to research the array of accommodating Monterey hotels and come visit.
About the Author:
The abundance of cozy Monterey hotels has made it easy for visitors to sample the city's rich heritage in comfort. The Central Californian coast has remained the best kept travel secret on the West Coast. Browse through the Monterey hotels and choose the one that best fits your budget.
No comments:
Post a Comment