1952 Map of Santa Barbara

About this map

Santa Barbara sits at the base of the Santa Ynez Mountains, where the urban grid of the Pueblo Lands of Santa Barbara meets the Pacific Ocean. This 1952 revision shows a city defined by its historic institutions and educational landmarks, including the iconic Santa Barbara Mission, St Anthonys Seminary, and the Santa Barbara College (Univ of Calif). Along the waterfront, the Santa Barbara Harbor is anchored by Stearns Wharf, while the southern coastline features the Andree Clark Bird Refuge and Santa Barbara Cemetery. The map captures the infrastructure of the era, from the Southern Pacific railroad line following the coast to the winding Camino Cielo atop the ridge near La Cumbre Peak. Inland, the transition from the city into the estate-rich Montecito and the protected slopes of Los Padres National Forest is clearly delineated by the corporate boundary.