1936 Map of La Panza

About this map

San Juan Creek carves through the center of this terrain, separating the high peaks of the Santa Barbara National Forest from the vast, flat expanse of the Carrizo Plain. Revised in the early 1930s, this survey documents a landscape defined by ranching and resource extraction, anchored by La Panza Ranch and French Camp. The topography reveals a complex network of canyons, such as American Canyon and Windmill Canyon, which historically provided routes through the mountains for early settlers. Geologic interest is high here, evidenced by Syncline Hill and the numerous water sources like Carnaza Spr and Mustang Spr that were vital for survival in this arid environment. To the south, high summits like Mc Chesney Mtn and Freeborn Mtn mark the divide between San Luis Obispo and Kern counties.