California Mistakenly Claimed for the United States - Monterey, CA
Posted by: Metro2
N 36° 35.859 W 121° 53.831
10S E 598640 N 4050805
California claimed for the US because of a mistaken belief that the US was at war with Mexico.
Waymark Code: WMRM0H
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 07/06/2016
Views: 7
This plaque is one of many set in the pavement in front of Colton Hall where the first California State Constitution was drafted. It reads:
"1842
CALIFORNIA MISTAKENLY CLAIMED
FOR THE UNITED STATES
Believing the United States is at war with Mexico,
Commodore Thomas ap Catesby Jones, Commander of
the American Pacific Squadron, captures Monterey and
claims California for the United States. When he discovers
this is a mistake, he apologizes and sails away."
Read more about the Commodore at (
visit link)