Built 1835 CHISL # 106 Designated NHL December 19, 1960 Phone +1 831-649-7118 | NRHP Reference # 66000215 Added to NRHP October 15, 1966 Opened 1835 Architect Thomas O. Larkin | |
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Location 464 Calle Principal, Monterey, California Address 464 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940, USA Architectural styles Monterey Colonial architecture, American Colonial, Spanish Colonial architecture Similar Monterey Old Town Historic D, Colton Hall, Cooper‑Molera Museum Store, California's First Theatre, Cathedral of San Carlos Bo | ||
The Larkin House, located at 464 Calle Principal, Monterey, California, was built in 1835 by Thomas O. Larkin. It is claimed that the house was the first two-story house in all of California, and that it was the first house with a fireplace in Monterey. The design combined Spanish Colonial building methods with New England architectural features and originated the popular Monterey Colonial style of architecture. The Larkin House is both a National and a California Historical Landmark.
History
In 1832 Thomas O. Larkin joined his half-brother John B. R. Cooper in business. Larkin became the most influential American in Monterey, capital of Alta California. He served as the only United States consul to Mexico in Monterey. Monterey expanded beyond the old Spanish Presidio walls. Many leading citizens built their large houses using white wash, sun-dried adobe bricks.
The Larkin House was designated as a California Historical Landmark in 1933. It then became a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is part of the larger Monterey State Historic Park, which is itself designated a National Historic Landmark District.