The 1853 Preliminary Sketch of Santa Barbara, California shows a small town growing along the foothills below the Mission founded a half century earlier.

Comprehensive topographical details of the surrounding hillsides fill the main plan map. Each and every building is drawn, along with a detail of the cemetery. Boundaries of agricultural properties are indicatedand an Observatory is shown at the coastline.

Offshore depths are charted and seasonal anchorage instructions are tabulated at the upper right. A topographical elevation "View of the Town and Mission" graces the lower left of this beautifully detailed engraving.