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This is a fine example of this rare chart of Santa Rosalia Bay, originally surveyed by the U.S.S. Ranger in 1887 and published in 1888. The chart depicts a stretch of coastline along the Pacific side of Baja California, just north of present-day Villa Jesús María and west of Miller’s Landing, in the modern Municipality of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
This highly detailed nautical chart centers on a bay identified as Santa Rosalia Bay, flanked by Rosalia Point and a small offshore feature labeled Elide I. (Elide Island), rising approximately 40 feet. The chart marks an Observation Spot (⊖) at Lat. 28° 40′ 15.5″ N, Long. 114° 14′ 14.5″ W, located just above the beachhead on a 90-foot-high plateau overlooking the bay. From this point, a trail extends inland, marked "Trail to Millan’s Ranch, 12 miles", while another trail leads southeast to Higgins’ Ranch, 7 miles—indicating inland settlement and travel routes contemporary to the time of the survey. Further down, the map notes a road to the Higgins Ranch, Calmalli Placer Mine and San Boya, near a spot marked landing, which is now Miller's Landing.
The hydrographic detail is extensive. Numerous sounding measurements in fathoms populate the bay and surrounding coastal waters, with depths ranging from less than 2 fathoms near shore to over 20 fathoms in the open waters beyond. Bottom types, anchorage points, and tidal notations are included to guide mariners. The landing area is noted near the observation site, suggesting this cove was used for boat access and possibly logistical support during the survey.
This Santa Rosalia Bay should not be confused with the more famous town of Santa Rosalía on the Gulf of California. Instead, this bay lies on the Pacific coast, a relatively remote section of the Baja California peninsula. The area remains sparsely developed today, part of the Valle de los Cirios conservation zone, and notable for its rugged cliffs, plateaus, and isolated ranching history.
