The Cannery Row Monument pays homage to the many infamous and famous characters who were vital to the development of Cannery Row. Sitting atop the rock-like monument is John Steinbeck, surrounded by eight other bronze figures - characters reminiscent of the time when Cannery Row was the bustling sardine canning district that exposed him to the lives of people who filled him with literary inspiration.
Also on the monument is Ed Ricketts, Steinbeck's good friend and famous marine biologist who studied the marine life and tidal pools of Monterey Bay. Ricketts' work omvogprated marine biology and many consider him to be one of the "fathers" of marine biology. The monument also includes figures suggestive of Chinese fishermen and canners, as well as the colorful Dora Flood, who made everyone happy and was equally famous for helping the poor during the Great Depression.
The four "boys" huddled together on the rock were modeled after four entrepreneurs who embraced the remnants of the canning district and dedicated themselves to its rebirth. Ted Balestreri, George Zarounian, Harry Davidian and Bert Cutino, who represented major American industries such as lodging, restaurants, agriculture and fishing, shared a vision for Cannery Row and a deep affection for its residents. The boys, working with the Coniglio, Crispo and Meyers families, brought tourism and hospitality to Cannery Row and helped preserve it for all time.