About Us

California DAR volunteering

The Monterey Peninsula has been home to the Commodore Sloat Chapter, NSDAR since it was organized on November 1, 1922. Our chapter has 119 members who actively support the NSDAR objectives of historic preservation, education, and patriotism through activities at the national, state, and local level.

The spirit of Monterey, the first capital of California, is captured by the historic buildings depicted above that recall the maritime legacy, the Spanish heritage, and California's journey toward statehood.

The Old Whaling Station

The Old Whaling Station serves as the model for the 1850s California Parlor room sponsored by the California State Society DAR (CSSDAR) at NSDAR Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Old Whaling Station was the headquarters for one merchant who was involved with shore whaling. The interior is reproduced in the California room and is featured on the NSDAR website.

Colton Hall

Colton Hall is the site where the original California Constitution was written in 1849. This forward-thinking document was written in English and Spanish and gave property rights to women. In 2010, the California State Society DAR placed a bronze plaque to commemorate this important site in California history.

Point Pinos Lighthouse

Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse on the west coast. The most famous lighthouse keeper was Emily Fish, who served from 1893 to 1914.

The Royal Presidio Chapel

This Spanish Colonial style sandstone church is also known as San Carlos Cathedral. It is the oldest continuous-use church in California. Built in 1794 by Father Junipero Serra, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Sons of the American Revolution have designated the Royal Presidio Chapel as an American Revolutionary War Historic Site.

Photos courtesy of chapter members