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| Landmark #106 | Monterey County | Visited: January 17, 2015 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | The only US consulate to California during Mexican rule! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: The adobe-and-wood Larkin House was built in 1835 by Thomas Oliver Larkin, a Yankee merchant who came to California in April 1832. Since Larkin was the only U.S. consul to California under Mexican rule, his home became the American consulate from 1844 to 1846, and it was also used as military headquarters by Kearny, Mason, and Sherman.
OTHER TIDBITS: This building was one of the first two-story structures in the area and one of the earliest examples of the Monterey colonial style of architecture! It was a center of both governmental activity and social life for five years! Under the radar, though, Mr. Larkin was an agent for the government whose mission was to secure American takeover of California without a war! He was in charge of reporting on the gold discoveries on the Feather River to secretary of state, James Buchanan! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: Monterey State Historic Park SW corner of Jefferson and Calle Principal Monterey, CA 93940 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~319mi (514km) — 5.4hrs |
| When should I go? | The gardens are open every day between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and tours are given Friday through Sunday (and Monday holidays) from April until August! |
