Rep. Panetta Introduces Legislation to Designate the Lower Presidio as a National Historic Park

May 14, 2026 Press Release Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced the American Sovereignty and Monterey Historic Military Site Study Act . This legislation would direct the Department of the Interior to evaluate the Lower Presidio Historic Park in Monterey, California for potential designation as a National Historic Park under the National Park Service. The bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study within three years of funding and to submit a report to Congress with findings and recommendations on how best to preserve, protect, and interpret the site for future generations. While both national parks and national historic parks are part of the National Park System and managed by the National Park Service, national historic parks are specifically designated to preserve and interpret sites of significant historical and cultural importance to the United States. Traditional national parks, by contrast, are primarily designated to protect outstanding natural landscapes and ecosystems. The Lower Presidio’s designation as a potential national historic park reflects the depth and breadth of its significance in our cultural history. “Lower Presidio Historic Park holds over 12,000 years of history, as a tribal village for indigenous peoples to the landings of Spanish explorers to the location where Commodore Sloat planted the flag of the United States to the training site for the Buffalo Soldiers and many others who served in the United States Military, yet it has never received the national recognition that it deserves,” said Rep. Panetta. “The American Sovereignty and Monterey Historic Military Site Study Act would take the first step towards designating the site as a national historic park to provide the proper federal support to ensure that the land is preserved for generations to appreciate its historic significance. Through this legislation, we can begin the process of securing national recognition for the extraordinary legacy not just of the Lower Presidio Historic Park, but also of our home.” “On behalf of the City of Monterey, we express gratitude to Congressman Panetta for leading the effort to establish the Lower Presidio as a site of national significance,” said Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson. “This designation ensures public access and preservation of the diverse history of this land, from its Indigenous roots and Spanish and American military eras to its role as a sacred ancestral homeland.” “The City wholeheartedly supports this study and partnership model where the National Park Service operates the historic park in coordination with the Army and City government,” said Monterey Assistant City Manager Nat Rojanasathira. “This collaborative approach ensures the Lower Presidio remains a premier landmark within Monterey’s diverse network of cultural resources, parks and public spaces.” Located within the U.S. Army Garrison Presidio of Monterey and open to the public since 1996, Lower Presidio Historic Park holds one of the most storied histories of any site on the West Coast. Over 12,000 years ago, the land was stewarded by the Esselen and Rumsen peoples. The site later witnessed the arrival of European explorers, the founding of the Spanish Presidio of Monterey in 1770, California’s time as the capital of Alta California, the raising of the American flag in 1846 by Commodore John Drake Sloat, the construction of the first major U.S. Army fort on the West Coast, service by the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry Regiment, and the establishment of what would become the Defense Language Institute, a cornerstone of American national security. Full text of the bill is available here . ### Issues : Environment