1959 Map of Surf

About this map

Vandenberg Air Force Base dominates the northern coastal landscape of this late 1950s survey, marking a significant era of Cold War military expansion along the California coast. The installation sits atop Burton Mesa, while to the south, the U S Naval Missile Facility Arguello occupies the Lompoc Terrace. This period of heavy federal presence is contrasted by remnants of earlier settlement and local infrastructure, such as the Southern Pacific railroad line following the shoreline and the historical Lompoc Landing (Site). The Santa Ynez River carves a wide valley between the military installations, providing a natural corridor where the settlements of Surf and Baroda are located. Further inland, the presence of the Artesia School and Radio Tower KNEZ near the community of La Salle illustrates the established agricultural and civilian life existing alongside the massive military reserves.