Viejo Press
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Santa Barbara,
CA 93108

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A Maritime History of Baja California
by Edward W. Vernon
Preface: Rodney J. Taylor, PhD, Professor of English and historic nautical artifact collector

A Maritime History describes the most important harbors and anchorages of the Baja California peninsula by charts, maps, satellite imagery and photos. The history of each of those places is developed by recording, in chronological order, the most important ships to have touched that anchorage. The visits in the 1500s by Spanish explorers including Ulloa, Cortés and Cabrillo, as well as assaults by pirates all contribute to the rich history of the peninsula. The entradas of the mission ships, otter hunters and whalers are also described. The ships of the U.S. Navy and their assaults on San José del Cabo, La Paz, and Mulegé are recorded.

The “Concessions” to American and British companies and their influence on maritime trade is an important part of the story as is the era of the Gold Rush Steamers. The history of each harbor is brought up-to-date with photos and information on the many U.S. military ships including the “Great White Fleet” to call at these ports. The impact of the fishing industry, yachts, sportfishers, and cruise ships on the peninsular waters, ports, and cities brings the book into the modern era.

Published: November, 2009
Size: 8-1/2 x 11 inches, 310 pages
Illustrations: 240 color photos, 6 line drawings, 12 full page maps and satellite views, 19 full page ship photos and drawings
Format: Hard cover, cloth bound
ISBN 978-0-578-03668-7
Library of Congress Control Number: 2009935825
List price: $49.95

 

 


French map maker Mallet insisted on the fanciful visionof California as an island in this map printed in 1650 even though it had been proven to be a peninsula more than a hundred years earlier..
     

The sandy strand at Bahía San Luis Gonzaga is the home for a resort called Alfonsina’s as well as a row of vacation homes owned by Americans who can land their airplanes on the strip that is located virtually in their backyards.

     

The “oiler” is discharging her cargo for storage at the tank farm in La Paz Bay. The nearby electrical power generation plant runs from fuel at this facility. Gasoline is also brought here for distribution throughout the south half of the peninsula.

     

The breakwater at Santa Rosalia was constructed from slag created by the ore smelting process. The nearly one square mile enclosure protected the ships servicing the Boleo copper mines from the sometimes severe gulf weather. The harbor is now used by the local fishing fleet, visiting ships, and an occasional yacht.