Monterey County, California was established on February 18, 1850 and named for Monterey Bay, which was named by Sebastián Vizcaino in 1602 in honor of the Count of Monterrey, who was Viceroy of New Spain at the time! Its county seat is Salinas, and its fair is held in Monterey! You might recognize the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Pinnacles National Park, Fort Ord National Monument, and Big Sur, which are located in this county!