California's First Theatre, building in Monterey State Historic Park, built as a lodging house and tavern, used as a theatre in 1850
California's First Theatre is a historic building in Monterey designed in adobe style and originally built as a lodging house for sailors. The structure contains four separate units, each with its own outside door and fireplace, featuring removable interior partitions that allowed the layout to be reconfigured.
The building was constructed between 1845 and 1847 by Jack Swan, an English sailor, during a period when the region was part of Mexico. Following the Mexican War, soldiers from a New York regiment transformed it into the Union Theater, where they performed melodramas for the local community.
The building reflects early California architecture with its adobe style and simple, sturdy construction typical of Monterey's early days. It became a gathering place where the community came together to watch melodramas and share moments of entertainment.
The site is part of Monterey State Historic Park and open to visitors, with improved entrances and pathways for people with disabilities. It is best visited during daylight hours and located centrally in Monterey at the corner of Pacific and Scott streets, making it easy to reach.
After closure in 1906, the building remained unused for 31 years until 1937, when a theater group called the Troupers of the Gold Coast revived melodrama performances. An extensive restoration from 2018 to 2023 cost nearly two million dollars and brought the historic structure back to public use.
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