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1959 Map of Tranquillon Mountain

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Tranquillon Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

The U S Naval Missile Facility occupies the northern reaches of this coastal landscape, situated along the rugged Santa Barbara shoreline where the Santa Ynez Mountains meet the sea. This 1950s survey documents a critical transition in land use, as the expansive Sudden Flats and various traditional ranching areas were increasingly defined by federal defense infrastructure. The coastline is marked by significant landmarks including Point Arguello and Punta de la Concepcion, which have long served as navigational anchors for Pacific maritime traffic.

Logistics and transport are defined by the Southern Pacific railroad line, which hugs the coast through Sudden and past Espada Bluff. Local geography is deeply etched by a series of steep drainages, such as Cañada de los Sauces and Cañada del Rodeo, while peaks like Tranquillon Mtn dominate the interior. The presence of an Oil Well and a Prospect indicate the mid-century industrial interests being balanced with public spaces like Jalama Beach County Park.