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1959 Map of Lake Cachuma

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Lake Cachuma
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

Lake Cachuma dominates the central landscape of this 1959 survey, held by the recently completed Cachuma Dam which transformed the Santa Ynez River valley. The reservoir's reach is defined by complex inlets like Cachuma Bay and Santa Cruz Bay, surrounded by the extensive Cachuma Recreation Area. This era of water management and public leisure is anchored by Cachuma Village and the Cachuma County Park.

South of the water, the Santa Ynez Mountains rise sharply, punctuated by Santa Ynez Peak and Broadcast Peak. The map documents a transition from the historic land grants of Lomas de la Purificacion and Cañada de los Pinos (College Rancho) to the modern utility of Camino Cielo and the protected lands of the Los Padres National Forest. Cultural sites such as Rancho San Fernando Rey and Camp Drake are noted among the steep canyons and ridges.