Monterey County, California Records

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Monterey County, California Courthouse Records
Monterey County, California Census Records
Monterey County, California Vital Records
Monterey County, California Resources
Monterey County, California External Links

Monterey County, California (Map It) was created on February 18, 1850 as one of the original 27 counties . Monterey County was named for the Bay of Monterey. The word itself is composed of the Spanish words monte and rey, and literally means “king of the forest.” The bay was named by Sebastian Vizcaino in 1602, in honor of the Conde de Monterey, the Viceroy of New Spain

Monterey County is bordered by San Luis Obispo County (south), Kings County (southeast), Fresno County (southeast), San Benito County (east), Santa Cruz County (north) .

Monterey County Cities and Towns include Carmel-by-the-Sea, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside, Soledad .

Since its creation Monterey County boundries have changed to include these:

Monterey County, California Courthouse Records

Monterey County, California Courthouse
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Monterey County, CA Courthouse
Old Monterey County, California Courthouse
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Old Monterey County Courthouse

The Monterey County Courthouse is located in Salinas, California. Alcalde records from 1781 (See Land Records) Land from San Luis Obispo County was added in 1863 and 1872. Learn More About State of California Court, Tax, Land and Probate Records.

Courthouse History - The military and social capital of Alta California during Spanish and Mexican rule, the town of Monterey naturally became the county seat when the 27 original counties were formed in 1850. But when it was learned that the railroad was to go through the valley and not along the coast, the government center was moved to Salinas. After the house used as a courthouse burned, this much larger brick Victorian building was commissioned. The courthouse remained in use while the current one was being constructed around it, and then was demolished. Today, a courtyard, lily pond, and commemorative sculpture occupy the site.

The Clerk's Office DOES NOT DO RESEARCH. Most staff will assist people in finding the materials, but it is up to the individual to do the research. Some early court records from the various courts may have been sent to the California State Archives. Besides court minutes and judgements, these records include tax lists, wills, deeds, estate inventories, and marriage bonds. The California State Archives has microfilm of selected county records, 1850–1919.

The following dates indicates what vital, land, probate, and court records are in Monterey county. The date listed for each record is usually the earliest registration filed. The date does not indicate that there are alot records for that year and does not mean that all such events were actually filed with the clerk. Some counties encompass land settled in the eighteenth century; their records pre-date county formation. Land transactions and vital records recorded in the county are at the county recorder's office. The county clerk general has probate books and files from the county's superior court, civil court records, and naturalizations. Divorces may be in either place, depending on how filed.

  • Monterey County Recorder-Clerk has Birth / Death Records from 1824 / 1887, Marriage Records from 1887 and Land Records from 1850. The County Recorder-Clerk is s responsible for examination and recording of all documents presented for recording that deal with establishing ownership of land in the County or as required by statute; administers the real property transfer tax law and maintains a permanent record and indexes of all documents for public viewing plus providing certified copies requested by the public; recording of all lawful documents such as deeds, deeds of trust, judgments, liens, affidavits, Uniform Commercial Code Financial Statements, etc; and the filing of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
  • Monterey County Clerk of Superior Court has Probate Records from 1850 and Court Records from 1850. The County Clerk of Superior Court has probate books and files from the county's superior court, civil court records, and naturalizations. Divorces may be here or in the Recorders Office, depending on how it was filed.
  • Monterey County County Treasurer / Tax Collector
  • Local Registrar of Births and Deaths, 1270 Natividad Road, Room 227.01, Salinas, CA 93906-3198; Office (831) 755-4504

Monterey County, California Census Records

Monterey County, California Vital Records

Monterey County, California Resources

Monterey County, California External Links

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