VAFB-1981-07: Historic Background of Red Roof Canyon

Summary

During February, 1981, the Office of Public Archaeology undertook a limited historic background study of a historic ranch site (SBa-1148) on Vandenberg Air Force Base, Santa Barbara County, California. The purpose of the study was to develop adequate information on the historic significance of the property as part of the Space Shuttle construction program.

The study included review of primary and secondary literature sources, a site inspection, and four oral interviews. Historic research indicates that SBa-1148 was the headquarters of the northern Sudden ranch in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In March 1942, a radar reporting center, Station B-30, was built as part of a defense network established along the Pacific coast during W.W. II.

Remains of several foundations and a well still exist at SBa-1148. In addition, extensive primary records on the economic activities of the Sudden ranch are in the possession of the Sudden family. The ranch is not considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places under criteria A, B, or C. However, the potential significance under criteria D was not evaluated as part of this program.

Management recommendations are included in the report.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) - Cultural Resource Report

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Roscoe Loetzerich

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