1906 Map of Capistrano

About this map

Mission Viejo and the vast Santa Margarita y Las Flores rancho lands dominate this coastal terrain at the end of the nineteenth century. The settlement at San Juan serves as the primary inland hub, while the Southern California railroad winds along the bluffs, connecting the small coastal outpost of San Onofre to the north. This survey illustrates a landscape of deep canyons and seasonal watercourses, including Cañada Cristanitos and Arroyo San Mateo, flowing toward a coastline marked by prominent maritime landmarks like San Juan Capistrano Pt. and San Juan Rock. The division between Orange and San Diego counties is clearly delineated, bisecting the coastal ranches. This record is particularly valuable for its depiction of the early transport corridor and the expansive Spanish-era land grants before they were subdivided for modern development.