Monterey, California conjures images of a coastal city rimmed by crystal clear waters and bolstered by tourism; yet these edenic views belie the community’s often turbulent history, originating with the Native Americans who lived here for a millennium and Hispanic exploration and colonization. At each stage in the growth of this city, residents have successfully overcome the division of multiple rule, diverse nationalities, and fledgling identities to fashion a homeland in the western landscape of America that is deservingly proud of its character and history.