On Juneteenth or any day, bike to history

As the Cycling to History section of the Tips for Bicycling Monterey County guide indicates, we believe knowing U.S. history is vital, including—perhaps especially—when it’s a disgrace to the nation. Ignoring history does not change it!

In 2025, healing divisions and creating a nation with true liberty and justice for all can still feel a distant dream. Honoring the progress that has been made helps “keep our eyes on the prize.”

Observing Juneteenth—which refers to June 19, 1865—and remembering that the date was not honored as a federal holiday until 2021, is one way to honor progress, and be inspired to keep moving forward! Get a snapshot of that history: https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R44865.

Looking for Black American history in Monterey?

Here’s just one example: The Presidio of Monterey Museum https://monterey.org/city_facilities/museums/discover_museums/presidio_of_monterey_museum.php opened an exhibit on June 17, 2023 exploring the history of the Buffalo Soldiers’ time in Monterey, as reported by Dave Faries in the Monterey County Weekly on June 15, 2023: “City historian Jordan Leininger spent three years tracing the story of Buffalo Soldiers in Monterey” https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/people/831/city-historian-jordan-leininger-spent-three-years-tracing-the-story-of-buffalo-soldiers-in-monterey/article_4fe208b0-0af2-11ee-8d30-f7cc907281ec.html. Also see Pam Marino’s MCW piece published June 17, 2023:  “A new exhibit explores the history of the Buffalo Soldiers’ time in Monterey” https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/opinion/mcnow_intro/a-new-exhibit-explores-the-history-of-the-buffalo-soldiers-time-in-monterey/article_adc52f36-0c7b-11ee-92ca-ff0e9eb9eafb.html. 

Whether you bike, walk, or however you explore history or historic spots, we hope you’ll keep your eyes open to America’s past, as well as its present—and its promise for the future.