1919 Map of Junipero Serra

About this map

Santa Barbara National Forest dominates this 1917 survey of the Central Coast interior, where the Santa Lucia Range rises sharply between deep drainage canyons. The map documents a landscape of scattered high-altitude outposts and family holdings during the early years of federal forest management. Settlement is defined by isolated properties such as Abbott Ranch and Leigh Ranch, alongside the Santa Lucia Ranger Sta. In the southeast, the terrain transitions toward the San Antonio River valley, where social centers like the Milpitas School and landmarks like The Indians appear. The intricate network of seasonal waterways, including Arroyo Seco and the Nacimiento River, illustrates the topographic complexity that challenged early travel and ranching in this portion of Monterey County.