Old Customhouse

The Old Customhouse is an administrative building in Monterey featuring Mediterranean Revival architecture, marked by stucco walls, red roof tiles, and large wooden doors facing the harbor. Inside are several rooms that show the function of a customs house, along with displays of historical objects.

The building was constructed during Mexican rule and was the first government structure in California built specifically to handle maritime trade and immigration. It was an important place for managing the region's growing trade relationships after its establishment.

The building displays artifacts from Spanish and Mexican periods, including traditional tools, furniture, and maritime instruments that reflect daily commerce. These objects give a sense of how people lived and worked here before the region came under American control.

The site is accessible for self-guided exploration, with informational panels explaining the different rooms and their purposes. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes and visit the nearby harbor to better understand the historical context.

The original foundation stones from 1827 and preserved wooden beams inside make it the oldest still-standing government building in the state. This age makes the structure a rare example of early California infrastructure.

Location: Monterey

Architects: Thomas O. Larkin

Architectural style: Mediterranean Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 36.60325,-121.89356

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53