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1943 Map of Wheeler Springs

Name: 1943 Topographic Map of Wheeler Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

Los Padres National Forest dominates this mid-century landscape, characterized by the winding path of Sespe Creek as it carves through Sespe Gorge. The survey, based on 1942 aerial photography, captures the interior Ventura County backcountry during World War II, showing a network of remote outposts and ranching operations. Human presence is concentrated around water and transit routes, with landmarks like Fell Ranch and Hartman Ranch providing rare points of private habitation within the federal forest lands.

Along the southern edge of the quadrangle, the Wheeler Gorge Guard Sta and the settlement of Wheeler Gorge serve as gateways to the high country. Resource management and recreation are evident through features such as the Highway Maintenance Sta, Sandstone Camp, and Cherry Creek Campground. The drainage patterns of Tule Creek and Upper Matilija Creek illustrate the complex watershed that defines this portion of the Transverse Ranges.