American Era & California Statehood
The Birthplace of California (1822–1900) · Monterey County
After Mexico achieved independence from Spain in 1821, Monterey continued as capital under the new Mexican government. American maritime trade grew steadily through the 1830s and 1840s, documented by Richard Henry Dana in 'Two Years Before the Mast.' Then, in a period of months in 1846–1847, California's fate changed forever.
Timeline
Mexican Rule Begins
Following Mexico's independence from Spain, Monterey transitions smoothly to Mexican governance. The hide and tallow trade with American and British ships flourishes, bringing manufactured goods in exchange for cattle hides — the currency of the era. Richard Henry Dana visits in 1835 and describes Monterey as 'decidedly the pleasantest and most civilized-looking place in California.'[1],[3]
The False Conquest
U.S. Commodore Thomas ap Catesby Jones, believing the U.S. and Mexico are at war, seizes Monterey and raises the American flag. Discovering his error two days later, he returns the town to Mexican officials with formal apologies. The incident foreshadows the real takeover that would follow four years later.[1],[3]
Commodore Sloat Takes California
Commodore John D. Sloat sails into Monterey Bay on July 2 and raises the American flag on July 7, 1846, claiming California for the United States during the Mexican-American War. The conquest is largely bloodless in Monterey. California's Bear Flag Revolt in Sonoma had preceded Sloat's arrival by three weeks.[1],[3]
California's Constitutional Convention
Forty-eight delegates gather at Colton Hall in Monterey from September to October 1849 to draft California's first constitution. The delegates — Americans, Californios, and European immigrants — debate and write a constitution that notably bans slavery. California is admitted to the Union on September 9, 1850.[2],[4]
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Sources
Citations behind the dates, names, and numbers on this page.
- 1City of Monterey — History
Official history of Monterey under Mexican and American rule, including maritime trade and the transition to U.S. governance.
- 2City of Monterey — Colton Hall Museum
Official museum history of the 1849 constitutional convention at Colton Hall.
- 3California State Library — Previous Capitols and Capitals of California
State Library account of Monterey's role as capital and the American military takeover.
- 4California Office of Historic Preservation — Colton Hall
State landmark record confirming the 1849 constitution and California's admission on September 9, 1850.