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1959 Map of Surf

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Surf
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

Military operations and the Southern Pacific railroad corridor define the rugged coastal landscape of Santa Barbara County on this mid-century survey. The expanse of Vandenberg Air Force Base dominates the northern half of the sheet, while the U S Naval Missile Facility Point Arguello occupies the southern reach across the Lompoc Terrace. These installations frame the mouth of the Santa Ynez River, where the Ocean Beach Park and the settlement of Surf mark the transition from the Sand Dunes to the sea.

Historical traces of the area's coastal history are visible at Lompoc Landing (Site), a reminder of the era of shipping before the heavy militarization of the coast. Small railroad sidings and settlements like Baroda, Weser, and La Salle dot the tracks leading inland toward the agricultural fields. Social and civil structures including the Artesia School and the U S Disciplinary Barracks Mil Res provide a glimpse into the diverse land use during this period of Cold War expansion.