Who first settled in Monterey? The original religion?

The first people to settle in what is now known as Monterey were the Rumsen Ohlone tribe which were one of the distinct Ohlone groups in California. They were attracted to the Monterey area because it was rich in marine life. They lived comfortably by fishing, hunting, and gathering. In the 18th century they were taken over by the Spanish settlers.

The main religion in Monterey during the time the Spanish settled there was Roman Catholicism.  An interesting fact is that Monterey has the oldest cathedral in California.  It was established in 1794 by Father Junipero Serra.

The oldest stone building in California.