Custom House

Monterey's historic Custom House, California's oldest government building, was constructed in 1827 for the collection of duties (taxes) on all imported goods. In the 1800s, the capital of Mexican California, Monterey, served as the only legal port of entry for all foreign ships.
Each ship captain presented his cargo to the custom collector. After inspection and payment of duties, the ship was permitted to trade on the California coast. The Custom House represents the pinnacle of trade during the Mexican Era and California's beginning as an international marketplace.

At the outbreak of the Mexican American War in 1846, Commander Sloat officially raised the U.S. flag at the Custom House, signaling a new era of American influence in California.

Early photo of the Custom House cira late 1800s


Early photo of the Custom House circa early 1900s

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