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1917 Map of San Juan Bautista

Name: 1917 Topographic Map of San Juan Bautista
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1932
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1932

About this map

Mission San Juan Bautista anchors the southeastern corner of this landscape, where the Southern Pacific railroad cuts through the terrain near the San Benito River. The map highlights a complex system of Mexican land grants, or ranchos, such as Las Animas, Salsipuedes, and Lomerias Muertas, which dictate the rural property boundaries and settlement patterns of the early twentieth century. These historical divisions contrast with the emerging industrial and social infrastructure of the time, including the Cement Works and the St Francis Orphan Asylum.

Transport and agriculture define the valley floors, with the Pajaro River winding through Pajaro Gap toward the coast. Genealogists will find interest in localized landmarks like Patrick Breen, and several rural schoolhouses such as Casserly School, Carlton School, and Prunedale School. From the Santa Cruz Mountains to the wetlands of Elkhorn Slough, the map documents a transition from old California ranchos to a more connected rail and farming economy.