Winter 2025

Father Junípero Serra, and became the Capital of Alta California. In short order, the Spanish built a structure roughly where Custom House now stands. Monterey was under strict orders from the viceroy in Mexico City not to engage in international trade. All mate- rials were to arrive twice yearly via Spanish transport ships.The initial building most likely served as a warehouse. Around 1814, due to mounting economic hardship, Monterey began to purchase and barter for goods with foreign ships. Around that time, the Spanish built a one-story building where the north wing of Custom House now stands. It is uncertain whether any of this Spanish building was incorporated into Custom House. In 1818, flying the Argentinian flag, Hippolyte Bouchard and his pirate crew landed in front of this building, then dispersed to pillage and sack the City of Monterey. For six days, the Argentinian flag flew over Monterey.Thereafter, the beach in front of Custom House was named “La Playa de los Insurgentes,” meaning the beach of the insurgents. Economic duress intensified after this assault, with con- comitant increased unsanctioned trade with foreign vessels. The Mexican Era Mexico declared its independence in 1822, and lifted foreign trade restrictions.Alta California was required to provide for all provin- cial government expenses via customs duties.The Aduana Maritima de Monterey (Custom House) sprung to life, collecting all duties on goods bound for Alta California. Mexican vessels paid a 10 percent tariff. Foreign vessels, coming mostly from Boston, paid a tonnage charge plus at least 25 percent (often higher) on goods sold. Ship traffic to Alta California increased under Mexican rule, from nine vessels in 1821, to an average of 22 per year in the period between 1825-1830. Foreign trade brought prosperity to Monterey—a vessel engaged in the popular hide and tallow trade might owe 20,000 pesos or more in fees. Custom House was expanded; by 1827, the first story of the north wing and the northern half of the central portion were in place.