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1897 Map of Arroyo Grande

Name: 1897 Topographic Map of Arroyo Grande
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1987
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

San Luis Obispo Bay anchors this coastal topography, where the shoreline transition from Fossil Pt. to the wide beaches of Pismo and Oceano reflects the diverse geology of the San Luis Range. The landscape is defined by its early industrial and agricultural footprints, notably the Asphalt Mines near Edna and the expansive Arroyo Grande Valley. The Southern Pacific R. R. (Coast Line) runs parallel to the coast, connecting early whistle-stops like Maxwellton, Callender, and Bromela.

Further inland, the terrain rises into the Santa Manuela and Corral de Piedra regions. Notable local gathering points and landmarks of the late 19th century include Sycamore Springs, Newsom Springs, and the maritime access at Mallagh Landing. The map captures a critical era when water resources, such as Oso Flaco Lake and Pismo Lake, dictated the location of coastal settlements before the heavy development of the 20th century.