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This blueprint map, created in March 1911 by George Ruhlen Jr., delineates the boundary between the United States and Mexico near Tia Juana (Tijuana). It details the geographic features and elevations through contour lines, with specific intervals noted for accurate representation of the terrain. The map encompasses the area from San Diego Bay to the west, extending eastward to Otay Mesa, capturing the intricate topography along the border. The contours within the United States are derived from U.S. Geological Survey maps, while those in Mexico come from International Boundary Survey maps.
Historical Context: The Mexican Revolution
In 1911, Tijuana was a focal point during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), a major armed struggle that radically transformed Mexican politics and society. The revolution began as a response to the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, leading to widespread social unrest and military conflicts across the country. Tijuana, located on the border with the United States, was strategically significant and witnessed several notable events during this period.
One of the key events was the capture of Tijuana by the Magonistas, a faction of the revolutionary movement led by Ricardo Flores Magón and his brother Enrique. In May 1911, the Magonistas, advocating for anarchist principles and land reforms, took control of Tijuana as part of their campaign in Baja California. This brief occupation highlighted the revolutionary fervor and the fragmented nature of the conflict, as various groups with differing ideologies vied for control.
The proximity of Tijuana to the U.S. border also meant that it was a point of interaction and tension between American interests and the unfolding revolution in Mexico. The U.S. government closely monitored the situation, concerned about the potential spillover of violence and the impact on American investments in Mexico. This period saw increased border security and a surge in diplomatic activities aimed at addressing the instability in the region.
This map, therefore, not only represents the physical demarcation of the border but also serves as a historical artifact from a tumultuous period in Tijuana's history, reflecting the broader socio-political upheavals of the Mexican Revolution and the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Mexico relations.
Provenance
Colonel George Ruhlen (1884-1971), noted Southern California historical geographer.
Colonel George Ruhlen (1884–1971) was a distinguished military officer and historical geographer whose career spanned significant developments in U.S. military history, particularly during the early and mid-20th century. Best known for organizing the coastal defenses of San Diego after Pearl Harbor, his leadership, particularly during World War II, and his contributions to historical scholarship made him a respected figure in both military and academic circles.
Born at Fort Totten, near Devil's Lake, North Dakota, in 1884, Ruhlen came from a family with a deep military tradition. His father, Major General George Ruhlen, was a U.S. Army quartermaster. Ruhlen graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. His early postings were within the Quartermaster Corps, but over time, he transitioned to roles of increasing responsibility within the field artillery, where he demonstrated keen leadership skills. His career saw him stationed at various posts, with a notable assignment in 1938 as the commanding officer of Corregidor, a fortress island in the Philippines critical to the defense of Manila Bay.
Colonel Ruhlen is perhaps best remembered for his role as the commander of Fort Rosecrans, a key military installation in San Diego, California. After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Ruhlen was tasked with organizing the coastal defenses of San Diego, a city that was seen as vulnerable to Japanese attack in the early days of the Pacific War. Fort Rosecrans, located on the Point Loma peninsula, became the centerpiece of Ruhlen’s efforts to fortify the region.
In his capacity as commander, Ruhlen oversaw the deployment of coastal artillery and anti-aircraft defenses, ensuring that San Diego, a vital Pacific Fleet base and a hub for wartime logistics, was well-protected. His leadership during this period was crucial in maintaining the security of one of the most strategically important cities on the U.S. West Coast.
Ruhlen retired from the U.S. Army in 1944, but his contributions to the San Diego community did not end there. He became heavily involved in historical research and preservation, notably serving as the president of the San Diego Historical Society during the late 1940s and early 1950s. In this role, Ruhlen was instrumental in promoting the study of Southern California's military history, especially the role that Fort Rosecrans and other installations played in the defense of the region during World War II.
Ruhlen’s work as a historical geographer extended beyond military history. He was particularly interested in the history of the American West and the strategic role of military forts in the development of the region. His research and writings contributed to a greater understanding of the military’s influence on the growth of Southern California, helping to preserve the legacy of the region's military past.
Colonel George Ruhlen was part of a family with a remarkable military lineage. His father, George Ruhlen Sr., served as an Army inspector general and was a significant figure in the U.S. Army during the early 20th century. Ruhlen's son, also named George Ruhlen, followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, serving with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War II. As a Lieutenant Colonel, George Ruhlen III commanded the 3rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion, a unit of the 9th Armored Division that played a key role in halting German advances during the Battle of the Bulge, particularly in the defense of Medernach.
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