1959 Map of Point Arguello

About this map

US Naval Missile Facility Point Arguello dominates the shoreline of this Santa Barbara coast, representing a critical era of Cold War aerospace development. The rugged Pacific coastline is traced by the Southern Pacific railroad, which connects small coastal stations such as Honda, Arguello, and Arlight. This survey captures the landscape at a point of military transition, where the rocky promontories of Point Arguello and Point Pedernales were utilized for both traditional maritime safety, at the Coast Guard Sta, and modern missile testing. Significant maritime hazards are noted, most notably the Wreck Destroyer Rock just offshore from a prominent headland. Inland, the terrain rises sharply toward Tranquillon Ridge and Cypress Ridge, dissected by steep canyons like Red Roof Canyon and La Honda Canyon. The presence of several Jeep Trails and survey markers such as Vabm 696 suggests a landscape managed for both defense and resource monitoring along the Punta de la Concepcion.