Santa Maria Valley

by Montoya, Carina Monica; Santa Maria Valley Historical Society

• ISBN13: 9780738588803
• ISBN10: 0738588806
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-11-07
• Publisher: Arcadia Pub

Summary

Located in the heart of California's central coast, the Santa Maria Valley covers an area of mountains and hills that reaches the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara County. The valley's early history dates back to the Portola Expedition, which passed through Santa Maria on the California Mission Trail--called El Camino Real--and ended near Monterey Bay. When early settlers arrived, the valley was dry and desolate. Nearby water sources, however, helped transform the land into one of the most fertile and beautiful valleys in California. The valley became a leader in innovative agriculture transport, a depot on the busiest short-line railroad system in the country, and a training ground for many World War II pilots at its renowned aeronautic college. Today, its landscape of richly colored agricultural fields is framed by rolling hills and scenic miles of grapevines that produce some of the world's most coveted wines. The valley is also famous for its Santa Maria-style barbecue.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. 6
Acknowledgments	p. 7
Introduction	p. 8
Historical Eras: Mexican (1821-1848) and American (1848-Present)	p. 11
The Green Valley: World-Famous Flower Seeds, Strawberries, and Produce	p. 39
Sports: Major Leagues and the Olympics	p. 55
Community Spirit: Patriotism, Clubs, and Organizations	p. 63
Planes and Trains: Historic Flights and One of the Busiest Short Lines in the Country	p. 77
Reflections: Looking Back Over the Years	p. 87
A Glimpse Around Town: Santa Maria Today	p. 109
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