1943 Map of Santa Cruz Island A

About this map

Christi Ranch serves as a lone human outpost on the western end of Santa Cruz Island, situated along the complex drainage of Cañada De Los Sauces. This 1943 survey, conducted for the Army Map Service during World War II, details a landscape defined by deep canyons and prominent coastal headlands. Maritime landmarks such as Painted Cave and Posa Anchorage indicate the island's importance for coastal navigation and shelter within the Santa Barbara Channel. Scientific and surveying history is noted at the Santa Cruz West Latitude Station near West Point. The map captures the island's geography before significant modern conservation efforts, focusing on the natural canyon systems like Cañada Cervada and Cañada Posa that dictated the placement of ranching infrastructure and trails.