The Custom House is the oldest government building in California. From 1822 through 1846, Monterey was both the capital city and primary port of entry for Alta California, and cargos of “everything under the sun” were brought ashore and assessed there. During the Mexican-American War on July 7, 1846, U.S. military forces raised the “Stars and Stripes” at the Custom House, marking the end of the Mexican era and the beginning of the American era in California. The building continued in use for customs operations by the American government until 1858, and today it looks much as it did when it was a Mexican government facility from 1822 to 1846.