Big Sur backcountry seen from near Marble Peak on the Coast Ridge, circa 1915.(Photo Courtesy of William Karnes)
Just as the diverse mix of elevations, soil types and climates sustains a unique and broad mix of plants and animals, the varied landscape of the northern Santa Lucia has molded a diverse set of cultures, crafts and characters. From native Esselen and Salinan Indians to Spanish missionaries to modern vision seekers, the culture and history of this land where the mountains roll to the sea paint a rich and living portrait of human interaction with a wild and lovely land. Many of the following resources derive from the Double Cone Register, a periodic, web-based publication hosted by the Ventana Wilderness Alliance and edited by loving volunteers. Click here for an index of for this remarkable resource.
This list is by no means comprehensive and is in continual evolution. If you have suggestions for any of the sections, please email us at .
Native American
Brief History of the Esselen Indians (Monterey County Historical Society)
Local Chapter of the Esselen Tribe
Local Chapter of the Salinan Tribe
Pioneer/Homesteader
The Big Sur Fire of 1906 (DCQ Spring 2004)
The story of Comings Cabin (DCQ Fall 2001)
Tassajara Hot Springs, circa 1869 (DCQ Winter 1998)
Road to Tassajara (DCQ Winter 2000)
A history of Tony’s trail (DCQ Fall 2010)
Forest Service & Land Management
Our Forest is Born (DCQ Winter 2000)
Failed plan to dam the Big Sur river (DCQ Summer 2002)
History of the Mont. Ranger District, pt. 1 (DCQ Summer 2001)
Forest Conditions in the Monterey Forest Reserve (DCQ Summer 2004)
Early photo of the Ventana backcountry (DCQ Fall 2004)
Literary
California Coastal Trails: A horseback ride from Mexico to Oregon, by J. Smeaton Chase (DCQ Fall 2005)
Over the Santa Lucia (DCQ Fall 2006)
The enchanted Mountains (DCQ Fall 2006)
Two Pictures of an unknown bit of the Monterey Coast (DCQ Fall 2006)
