1939 Map of Cima Mesa

About this map

The San Andreas Rift Zone carves a distinct geological path across this 1930s landscape, marking the transition between the high desert of the Antelope Valley and the steep slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains. This survey captures the sparse, ranch-oriented settlement patterns of high-elevation Los Angeles County, where water sources like the Pallett Creek and various unnamed springs dictated the placement of homesteads. Local family operations, including Saunders Ranch and Stanton Ranch, are situated along the lower slopes and canyons, providing a window into the rural life of the era before modern expansion.