This is a very imiposing building in teh heart of Monterey where teh California Constitution was signed. The grounds and building are lovely and while there is not that much "stuff" there, it is hisotrically interesting. The fact that California has not always had Sacramento as its Capital is problably not even known to most Californi school children these days.... More

A visit to the museum at Colton Hall allows you to walk in the foot steps of history. Here the California state constitution was written and signed. The knowledgeable staff will help you experience what it must have been like to decide the slavery, boundary and women's rights issues. .

This is where California's Constitution was signed way back in 1849. A very nice stop along the historic trail with a museum and a docent present most days--so you can ask all kinds of questions. There's the old jail behind it, a beautiful green lawn park in front of it, and grizzly bear sculptures, too.

THis is one of those places that's fun to visit with the kids. Very artsy. Check it out. They sometimes give guided tours.

Took our son to the Museum since he studied California History in school this year and will be studying the states next year. Wanted him to see where the California Constitution was actually written and signed. The literature provided was very helpful. We also went to the jail (which my husband enjoyed, but our son did not like at all!... More

Although California History is a bit later than the history of the rest of the country, Monterey was California's first Capitol. Colton Hall was the site of California's first State Constitutional Convention. If you love history, you must visit.

I got there almost by mistake. I was looking for something to do and I started reading signs on the road...and in few minutes I found myself super curious of Monterey's History. On the path in front of the building there are several important events that caracterized Monterey and California History, but when you get upstairs in the building it... More

I stopped through here while walking on the Path of Monterey History Tour. What a very nice surprise to learn that this was where the California constitution was written and signed.

Colton Hall is an historic gem. This was where the first California constitution was drawn up and ratified in 1849. The hall is laid out as it may have looked in 1849 there are long tables littered with copies of the actual amendments that were ratified. It is like stepping back in time. The docent that was there that day... More