1940 Map of Ano Nuevo

About this map

Pigeon Point and the surrounding central California coast are captured here during the early years of World War II, illustrating a landscape defined by isolated ranching and timber heritage. This War Department survey, prepared by the Corps of Engineers, details the rugged interface where the Santa Cruz Mountains meet the sea. Settlement is sparse, characterized by sites like the Whitehouse Camp (Abandoned) and rural holdings such as Coastways Ranch and Rancho Del Oso. The intricate drainage system is well-documented, with Butano Creek, Gazos Creek, and Waddell Creek cutting through the coastal ridges. Notable landmarks for navigation and local history include the prominent Pigeon Point and the offshore Ano Nuevo Island, alongside smaller named outposts like Trantor and the twin locations of Gusheer 1 and Gusheer 2. This era shows the coast before significant post-war modernization, preserving the footprints of older agricultural and coastal operations.