1896 Map of Redondo

About this map

Redondo and the coastal landscape of the San Pedro Hills appear here in a state of early development prior to the modern urbanization of the Los Angeles basin. The map reveals a transition from massive Mexican-era land grants like Sausal Redondo and La Ballona toward a rail-driven economy. Coastal geography is defined by significant wetlands, including Nigger Slough and the Wilmington Lagoon, while the Redondo Branch and the Redondo R. R. connect emerging hubs like Inglewood and Gardena to the shoreline. Near the waterfront, the presence of the Drum Barracks at Wilmington and the development of Port Ballona highlight the strategic military and commercial importance of the southern California coast during the late nineteenth century. The inland landscape is dotted with small settlements such as Strawberry Park and Wiseburn, illustrating the early grid-iron subdivision of agricultural lands.