U.S. Customhouse Monterey, Monterey County, California, USA

Description

Erected in 1827 by the Mexican Government, this Monterey Colonial structure is the oldest public building standing on the West Coast. Until 1845, this was the only custom house north of Mexico: Every trading vessel plying the coast of California was compelled to enter its cargo at the Monterey port. It was here, on July 7, 1846, that Commodore John D. Stoat, commander of the U.S. Pacific Squadron, raised the American flag and officially proclaimed California a part of the United States.