Winter 2025

The Custom House circa 1895, while under custodian- ship. Part of the building’s central portion is collapsing, and the lower north wall offers a free advertising target. Photo: C. K. Tuttle, Pat Hathaway Collection, Monterey County Historical Society 114 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 Custom-Made California’s Fir st Histor ical Landmark: Monterey’s Old Custom House B Y S COT T GA L E N o respect—I don’t get no respect!” If Custom House could speak, the old adobe might very well utter Rodney Dangerfield’s famous one-liner to describe its place in contemporary Monterey. The building is well-preserved, and contains curated displays of trade goods common during the Mexican era. A gift shop beckons, as do engaging State Parks staff members and volunteer docents. Yet the vast majority of visitors—and locals—pass by Custom House with nary a glance, en route to Fisherman’s Wharf or other nearby attractions. Custom House, the oldest government building on the West Coast, has a fascinating past, and played a critical role in California’s early history. The building deserves more visitation—and respect—than it currently receives. The Spanish Era The story of Custom House begins in the Spanish era. Monterey was founded in 1770 by Gaspar de Portolá and “