Monterey Bay Live Cam

Monterey Bay, located on the central coast of California, has a rich history shaped by indigenous peoples, Spanish colonization, the Mexican era, and the American period. Here's an overview of the key historical events in the Monterey Bay area:

Native Peoples: Before European exploration and settlement, the Monterey Bay region was inhabited by several Native American groups, including the Rumsen and Esselen people. They had a rich cultural heritage and relied on the abundant marine and terrestrial resources of the area.

Spanish Exploration and Colonization (16th-18th centuries): The first European to explore the Monterey Bay area was Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542. However, it wasn't until 1602 that the bay was named by the Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino. The Spanish established missions and presidios in California, with the Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (Carmel Mission) founded near Monterey in 1770.