The Chualar Bridge was named for the former Rancho Chualar which belonged to the Malarin family. Monterey land baron, David Jacks later purchased the property. The present town of Chualar, which means place where the pigweed grows, was laid out in 1874 and is located 21/2 miles to the east of River Road. Continue south on River Road, bearing right sharply at the Chualar Bridge. Here, vineyards and rows of crops surround small farms and ranch houses. Extensive irrigation to water these abundant fields arrived following the introduction of modern farming techniques late in the 19th century. Earlier, a lengthy period of cattle ranching prevailed during the Spanish-Mexican era, when many Monterey families held vast land grants in the region. The cattle phase ended in the 1880s, finished by economic collapse, and droughts. Dairying and wool industries followed, then came the crop farms. Lettuce, long associated with the Salinas Valley, was first shipped from the area in 1916. Many other crops grow here as well: strawberries, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, asparagus, and celery. All have added to the Salinas Valleys economic growth.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 03:51:05 +0000