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Description

Searching for Oil in Newport Beach

Rare map of Orange County, published by the California State Mining Bureau.

Published shortly after the creation of Orange County on March 11, 1889, this is one of the earliest maps to focus on mining and mineralogy in Orange County.

The legend lists different types of geological formations, and also notes includes Abandoned Wells and Oil Sand & Springs.  The Santa Ana & Newport Railroad is also shown.

The focal point of the Oil Sand & Springs is the Newport Beach/Bolsa Chica Bay area.  Curiously, there would be no meaningful exploration in this area until the 1920s.