1902 Map of Santa Monica

About this map

Large Mexican land grant boundaries still define the Los Angeles basin in this 1902 survey, where names like Rodeo de las Aguas and San Jose de Buenos Ayres dominate the geography before modern subdivision. The Santa Monica Mountains are deeply etched with named canyons such as Sepulveda Canyon and Franklin Canyon, descending toward the developing coastal settlement at Santa Monica. To the east, the early footprint of Hollywood and Colegrove sits at the foot of the hills, while the Los Angeles River flows through the Providencia rancho land. Significant infrastructure of the era is visible, including the Soldiers Home near the mountains and the University campus to the south. Rail lines like the Southern Pacific R. R. and the Santa Monica Br. provide the primary transport framework connecting inland towns like Burbank and Tropico to the Pacific coast.