1943 Map of San Miguel Island West

About this map

Point Bennett marks the westernmost extremity of this island landscape, a windswept environment shaped by the surrounding Pacific Ocean and the Santa Barbara Channel. Based on 1943 aerial photography, the terrain rises from tidal inlets like Adams Cove and Tyler Bight toward the central heights of Green Mountain. The absence of man-made structures or settlements reflects the area's isolation and primary use by the military and researchers during the mid-century era. Offshore features such as Castle Rock and the shoreline near Judith Rock emphasize the hazards of this maritime environment. Historical researchers can examine the natural coastal contours and landing sites like Simonton Cove, which remained largely unchanged by development during this period of coastal surveillance.