Old Custom House (Monterey, California) facts for kids
|
Old Custom House
|
|
.JPG) |
|
 Location in Monterey Peninsula
|
|
| Location | Monterey, California |
|---|---|
| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1827 |
| Architectural style | Spanish Colonial Adobe |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000217 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 19, 1960 |
The Old Custom House (also known as Antigua Aduana in Spanish) is a really old and important building in Monterey, California. It was built way back in 1827 by the Mexican government. At that time, Monterey was the capital of a place called Alta California. This building is special because it's the oldest government building still standing in California.
It's also the very first place to be named a California Historical Landmark. A big moment happened here in 1846: a U.S. Navy leader, Commodore John Drake Sloat, raised the American flag. This event showed that California was becoming part of the United States during a time known as the American Conquest of California.
A Look Back: The Custom House Story
In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain after a long fight called the Mexican War of Independence. For almost 25 years after that, Monterey was part of the Mexican territory of Alta California.
Under Mexican rule, new rules allowed more ships to trade in coastal ports. This brought in many traders from places like Britain, America, and South America.
To collect taxes on these goods, the Mexican government built the Custom House. These taxes were called customs duties. This made the Custom House the oldest government building in what is now California.
A big change happened on July 7, 1846, during the Mexican–American War. U.S. Commodore John Drake Sloat raised the American flag over the Custom House. This act officially declared that California was becoming part of the United States.
Protecting History: The Custom House Today
.jpg)
The Old Custom House was a very important landmark. A group called the Native Sons of the Golden West decided it needed to be saved. Even though the building belonged to the U.S. Government, the Native Sons got permission to use and fix up the buildings and land in the early 1900s.
Later, a special State Commission took over the care of the building. They continued the work of restoring it.
The Custom House became the very first California Historical Landmark on June 1, 1932. It was also named a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Today, it is part of the larger Monterey State Historic Park. This park is also a National Historic Landmark District, which means it's a very important historical area.
More to Explore
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey County, California
- California hide trade
- List of the oldest buildings in California
