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1966 Map of La Panza Ranch

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of La Panza Ranch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

La Panza Ranch sits at the heart of this mid-1960s survey, representing the long history of livestock and land management in the arid hills of eastern San Luis Obispo County. The landscape is defined by the drainage systems of San Juan Creek and Navajo Creek, where intermittent water sources like Sixteen Spring and Willow Spring were vital for ranching operations. The northern section reveals French Camp, a named settlement amidst a network of canyons including Sandy Canyon and Long Canyon.

Evidence of human activity is scattered across the terrain, from a Gravel Pit near the creek beds to a Fire Control Station perched for visibility. The southwestern portion is anchored by the boundary of the Los Padres National Forest, showing a shift from private ranch lands to public forest management. Researchers will find numerous remote landmarks, such as Drill Holes, Windmill Creek, and Storage Bins, which document the infrastructure required for life in this dry, dissected upland area.