[2] Burials started in 1832, two years prior to becoming an official cemetery and there are some unmarked graves.

In 1939, the eastern land of the Monterey City Cemetery (or Cementerio El Encinal) was combined to increase the space.

The remains of many of the early local families are at San Carlos Cemetery, and it ranges from prominent Hispanic and European settlers, including working-class Sicilians (many worked in the local fishing industry); as well as immigrant families from China, the Philippines, and Japan.

[3] In 1944, a local named Harry Downie led the town to repair Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, and he built two 20-ft tall religious crosses (nicknamed the Portola Crespi crosses) to replace the missing originals.

[4] In 1969, marking the 100th anniversary of the Portolá expedition, one of the cross was moved and installed on Del Monte Beach, public land.