Tag Archives: History

Mark of Conquest II: Benchmark and Mortar

Posted on April 11, 2026 by Jack Elliott

Mortar, benchmark, cupules. In a previous post we wrote about a United States Geological Survey benchmark medal adhered to a Chumash mortar stone, adjacent the Santa Ynez Mountains along the southern-most edge of Santa Barbara County. Here we call attention … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Anthropology, Archaeology, Artifacts, Benchmarks, Chumash, Cupules, Cuyama, History, Indians, Native Americans, USGS | Leave a comment

Save Old Mission Sycamore … __ …

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Jack Elliott

The sycamore sprout on the tree that refuses to give up. For years I’ve watched from the window of my passing vehicle the historic sycamore stump adjacent Santa Barbara’s Old Mission resprout, and get whacked. Every time the tree pops … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Historic Landmarks, History, Landscapes, Nature, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, Sycamore, Symbiosis, Travel, Trees, Wildlife | 4 Comments

Initials of J.D. Reyes (1907)

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Jack Elliott

J.D. Reyes served the length of his duty as a United States Forest Service ranger, from 1900 to 1931, in Santa Barbara National Forest, later renamed Los Padres several years after his retirement. When his family first settled in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, Anthropology, backcountry, Caves, Hiking, Hiking (2), History, J.D. Reyes, Los Padres National Forest, United States Forest Service, Wilderness | 5 Comments

Naming Santa Barbara’s Modoc Road

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Jack Elliott

Walking tracks, west of town. Keep on keeping on. This offering relates to the preceding, Mark of Conquest; Benchmark and Mortar. The previous post mentioned the Modoc War of 1872-73 in California. Emphasis has been added below to highlight portions … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged American Indian Wars, History, Hope Ranch, Indians, Modoc Indians, Native Americans, Place Names, Santa Barbara, Street Names, Walker A Tompkins, Yankee Barbarenos | Leave a comment

Mark of Conquest: Benchmark and Mortar

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Jack Elliott

United States Coast & Geodetic Survey benchmark (1872) on a Chumash mortar stone, Santa Barbara County. “The reverence attached to the artifacts of history is a thing men feel. One could even say that what endows any thing with significance … Continue reading →