High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Castroville is a census-designated place (CDP) in Monterey County, California, United States. Castroville is located 9 miles (14 km) northwest of Salinas, at an elevation of 23 feet (7 m). The population was 6,481 at the 2010 census, down from 6,724 at the 2000 census. Castroville calls itself "Artichoke Center of the World" and hosts the annual Castroville Artichoke Festival. Marilyn Monroe was named the festival`s Artichoke Queen in February 1948 and William Hung was named the Artichoke King in 2006. The community also displays the world`s largest artificial artichoke. 75% of the US supply of artichokes is produced in Castroville. The local high school, North Monterey County High School, Castroville, fields a Marching Band which has traveled to China, performed at Bill Clinton`s second Inaugural Parade, and traveled to Italy in April 2007. North Monterey County Middle School and Castroville Elementary are also located in Castroville.