A Focused Look Into California’s Past

Welcome to California Views, a living historical photo archive spanning from the 1850s to today.

Established in 1970 and located in historic Monterey on California’s Central Coast, California Views preserves rare and often one-of-a-kind images documenting California’s people, places, and stories.

Many photographs in the collection include original glass and film negatives, allowing for exceptional print quality and long-term preservation. Only a portion of the archive is currently online, and we continue adding new images, galleries, and research material.

Photo Galleries

Browse curated collections from the Pat Hathaway Photo Collection—organized by theme and location across California. Check out our galleries.

Gallery Vol. 1

Early California Rails

Locomotives, depots, and rail life from California’s early transportation era.

Gallery Vol. 2

California Coasts

Surf, cliffs, and shoreline scenes—classic views up and down the coast.

Gallery Vol. 3

Historic Buildings

Hotels, civic landmarks, and architectural time-capsules from old California.

Gallery Vol. 4

Disasters

Natural Disasters from old California.

Gallery Vol. 5

California Missions & Early Settlements

Early California Missions & Early Settlements

Gallery Vol. 6

Street Scenes of Early California

California’s Early Streetscapes

Mr. Pat’s Adventure Blog

A cheerful travel journal from the road — photography, curious observations, and whatever Mr. Pat happens to be reading late at night. Check out the full blog!

About California Views

California Views was established on November 29, 1970, and has become one of the most comprehensive historical photo collections on California’s Central Coast.

The archive includes tens of thousands of images documenting Monterey County and California history. Many photographs are rare originals preserved from glass plate and film negatives, allowing for museum-quality prints and editorial use.

If you have historical Monterey County photographs you’d like preserved, we welcome inquiries.

Prints & Editorial Licensing

Prints are available in sizes ranging from 11×14 to 40×60 inches and beyond.

Images are also available for one-time, non-exclusive editorial usage for books, magazines, journalism, television, and research.

Images available for purchase and viewing through Fine Art America: fineartamerica.com

Research, Collections & Resources

Research fees: $55.00 standard • $135.00 after hours

Featured Glass Plate Negatives

Photographers on the Beach — “The Merry Tramps”

Frank Bequette Rodolph (1843–1923) 5×8 glass plate negative • Circa 1887 CV #79-083-0004

C.W.J. Johnson at Hotel Del Monte

C.W.J. Johnson (1833–1903) 8×10 glass plate negative • Circa 1887 CV #78-010-0001

Our Mission

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California Views is dedicated to the preservation of California’s photographic heritage. Only a small portion of the collection is currently online — we are continually adding more images and expanding access.

If you find this site helpful, please consider making a donation to support ongoing preservation efforts.

Follow California Views on Facebook: facebook.com/CaliforniaViews

California Views

The Pat Hathaway Photo Collection