The Military History of California, The Defenders of the Western Front
THE CHRONICLE OF CALIFORNIA’S HISTORIC PRESIDIOS, FORTS, CAMPS, STATIONS, FIELDS, BASES and CANNON. FROM THE PRE-SPANISH OCCUPATION TO THE END OF THE COLD WAR, 1579 – 1991.
One of a very few “reference quality” histories of California published in the past fifty years.
California's military history begins with the first fort built by the English Privateer Sir Francis Drake in 1579. One hundred-ninety years later, in 1769, the Spanish occupied the State by land and sea from their newly built headquarters and harbor at San Blas, Mexico. Under the guidance of the Spanish Royal Corps of Engineers the Spanish soldiers built four presidios and castillos, and several pueblos. Other forts were built by the Russian’s Fur Company at Fort Ross and the Swiss, John Sutter, at Sacramento.
During the American Conquest of 1847 the first four forts were constructed to secure the territory. After the conquest, the American Regular Army, "Horse Soldiers", established dozens of forts and camps everywhere in California in order to explore and tame the wilderness. The first coastal forts to protect harbors were begun in 1854 under the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 1900 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began the construction of the great coastal forts, which were built to protect California from attack by foreign battleships and landing craft. Camps and bases were established to support the Civil War in 1861 and the foreign conflicts of the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Great War in 1917 and the Greatest War, World War II. World War Il saw the largest number of camps, fields and bases constructed in the history of the State during 1940 to 1946, about 238 in all. The Korean Conflict of the early 1950s required the reopening of many of the bases that had been closed at the end of World War II. The Cold War, from the early 1950s to the late 1970s, saw anti-aircraft missile bases built in Los Angeles and San Francisco to protect the State from Russian nuclear air attacks. One or more of some 412 presidios, forts, camps, bases, hospitals, fields and depots were located in almost every town or county in California. The Military History of California made the Great Golden State what it is today. This book has 1,266 pages and 1,158 figures describing the events from the early explorations of the State to the present-day development of advanced weapons on our military bases.
This work is supported by an extensive bibliography of California history and military history sources. There is a list of figures and a list of reference sources. An appendix lists the results of an audit of all known historic cannon in California.
Mr. Ruhge is retired from 40 years in the California Aerospace Business as a Program Manager and system engineering with Degrees in Physics and Engineering. This is his 10 th book on historical subjects. An 11 th book was published in 2008The book has a green and black, soft cover, is comb bound, is an 8.5 by 11 inches format. ISBN 0-9614807-3-4. Cost is: $75; County sales tax is $5.80. Shipping is: boxed, $10.50 Postal; by UPS ground, $16.32 in California. Or, CD for $20.
MARITIME TRAGEDIES ON THE SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL
Shipwrecks on the Central Coast of California from Lompoc to Ventura through the Santa Barbara Channel have had a long history from the time of Spanish settlement to the present day.
The development of the Central Coast of California has been synonymous with the development of shipping and navigation and the inevitable disasters of shipwrecks. Each shipwreck is a tragedy for those on board, the ship’s owner and the ship itself.
Since there were no roads, all commerce in early California had to be conducted by shipping. There was always the possibility of shipwrecks with the loss of property and life because, at the start of the settlement in California, there were no navigation aids and later only primitive ones. The dangers were increased further by the weather, fog, and lack of landing facilities.
At first all the victims were sailing ships with only sail for power and compass for direction. Later, steamers became casualties as well when caught in rough or foggy weather and by errors in navigation. Radio direction finding and radar have eliminated shipwrecks for the most part but some still occur in rough weather when the navigation aids are ignored. The victims were not only ships but also many ships’ passengers and sailors.
Santa Barbara County between Point Conception and Point Pedernales (Honda Point) has been called the "graveyard of ships", "graveyard of the Pacific", the "Devil's Jaw" or the “Jinns of Honda”. Strong ocean currents, winds and dense fog in this area all conspire to make navigation dangerous along the coast. The Channel Islands have also taken their toll in ships and lives due to fog and storms and contrary currents. The coasts of Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Ventura were culprits during the days of sail.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, landing piers sprang up along the coast from Lompoc to Ventura. These piers supported inland settlements and later short haul railroads that were used to service the many ranches, farms and businesses on the coast and inland. These were destinations for sailing ships and coastal steamers.
Many ships met their doom by being too close to the coast at the wrong time and others by being tied up at local piers during storms. Numerous wrecks occurred by poor navigation through the Santa Barbara Channel, which resulted in horrible maritime disasters, as we will see in the following.
This history recounts the maritime tragedies from the vicinity of Point Sal to the Santa Ynez River, around Point Conception, east along the coast to Naples, Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Ventura and at the Channel Islands. This story covers 185 years from 1815 to 2000. The vast scope of this subject is divided into: The Early Sailing Days at Santa Barbara and Goleta; The North Coast from Point Sal to Point Conception; The Coast South from there to Point Mugu; and, finally, The Channel Islands.
Materials from various published sources are quoted to describe each maritime tragedy. References are listed at the end of each shipwreck for easy reader access. Photographs are presented of wrecks if available.
A map of the Santa Barbara Channel is presented at the front of this book to provide general orientation. Maps showing the locations of each group of wrecks and a Table of Wrecks by the year of occurrence provide a summary of the wrecks and any pertinent details that are available. A list of published sources of shipwreck data is presented next, followed by an extensive bibliography. An Appendix lists all the shipwrecks catalogued by the National Parks Service for the Channel Islands. The last section lists the figures in this book.
The book is 83/8x7 inches, perfect bound, 266 pages and 125 illustrations.
Retail price is $21.79 plus sales tax and shipping.
After a fifteen-year absence of plans and appropriations following the Civil War, the Federal Government decided to begin the process of constructing new batteries and forts everywhere in the United States. On the Western Front in California ten forts were eventually developed, eight in the San Francisco Bay area and, for the first time, two in Southern California at San Diego and Los Angeles/San Pedro. This period of fort building began in the late 1890s and continued to the end of the mid-1940s. The motivation for all this activity was a new growing threat from foreign naval powers. The solution was based on the latest technology in defensive warfare. These forts were the last great forts built on the West Coast. The
latter-day batteries in these forts were the largest guns ever deployed by the United States, the 16-inch, 50-caliber breech-loading rifles, the “Biggest Guns in the West”.
This history presents the political and technical bases for the big guns and then describes the construction of the first two 16-inch installations on the west coast in the San Francisco Bay area. A third installation, which was not finished, is also described briefly.
These events are followed by a description of the four later World War II installations at San Diego and Los Angeles/San Pedro California.
Fire control using the secret RADAR of WWII is illustrated. The present status of these last great forts is mentioned in the conclusions.
A bibliography is also provided.
The book format is 81/2 x 11 inches, comb bound, with 75 pages and 49 figures. Covers are card and plastic. Retail price is $15 plus sales tax and any shipping costs.
U.S. NAVY SECRET HOOLIGAN FLEET
This is the story of a ship called the Moby Dick or the Atlantic, or the Blanco, etc. The history of this ship ran the gamut from a pleasure yacht of the rich and famous to a fighting ship in two wars. A large part of the history of this ship took place during the Second World War. After that war the Atlantic reverted to its pleasure craft status, became an oceanic research vessel and then took part in rescue missions in Vietnam at the end of that unfortunate war.
When America declared war on Japan and Germany in December 1941, the German Navy lost no time in attacking vital shipping all along the eastern coast with its U-boat fleet. The U.S. was ill prepared for this well planned onslaught by the German Navy. In its rush to defend itself, the U.S. Navy commandeered hundreds of sailing and power craft of all sizes from the private sector and used them as pickets along the East coast to warn of the presence of submarines. Some of the larger ships were converted to stealthy antisubmarine sailing vessels and used in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico shipping lanes. The Atlantic was one of those sailing ships. This is the story of the wartime experience of that fine ship and the crew and its officers.
The book is 81/2x11 inches, comb bound, 30 pages, and 34 illustrations.
Retail price is $13.76 plus tax and any shipping.
SIR FRANCIS DRAKE IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA,1579
This book presents two historic California maritime adventures. One describes the escape from arrest in Mexico in 1829 of the commandant of the Santa Barbara Presidio, Captain Jose de la Guerra, and its lasting effects on local history. The other story is an outgrowth of the first and describes the true location in California of the visit of the world traveler and privateer for the Queen of England in 1579, none other than Sir Francis Drake. New information is provided on the histories of both adventures. The catalyst for researching and developing these two adventure stories was the discovery in 1981 of five ancient cannon on the beach along the central coast.
In addition, the narrative is supported by 48 historical illustrations and a comprehensive bibliography.
This is Mr. Ruhge’s 11 th book. His previous publications include histories on Goleta, Santa Barbara County and the state of California ranging from the war years in Santa Barbara County to the historic sites and structures of Goleta, shipwrecks on the Santa Barbara Channel, and military sites throughout California published in “The Military History of California, The Defenders of the Western Front.” His historical articles have been published in several newspapers and magazines for the past 25 years.
He is retired after 40 years in his profession of California Aerospace Physics, Engineering and Program Management.
This new book is a paperback, perfect bound, 8½ inches by 11 inches and contains 118 pages and 48 figures.
The book is sold in local bookstores and by mail. If ordered by mail it costs $19.57 plus 7¾% sales tax of $1.52 plus shipping of $3.00.
To order by mail contact: Quantum Imaging Associates, Justin Ruhge, 525 Brookside Dr., Lompoc, CA 93436: Email: jaruhge@hotmail.com or Phone: 805-737-9536.
THE HISTORIC CANNON OF CALIFORNIA
California has the most diverse history of cannon in the entire 50 states. In 1980 this writer began a survey of the 1,000 by 400 miles of the State of California to record the cannon in public locations and museums about the state. Cannon were found in all kinds of locations from museums, parks, cemeteries, schools, restaurants, and military locations from Crescent City in the north to San Diego in the south.
Every effort was made to visit all the sites and to photograph the cannon there. In some cases this was not possible and the author relied on helpful local contacts. The cannon cover the Spanish period of California and transcends the history of the State to the end of World War II.
To date about 245 cannon have been photographed and cataloged by county. Some counties had no cannon while others had many different types. San Francisco County leads the pack followed by Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. It is not possible to guarantee that all cannon have been accounted for because of the great area involved in the State of California. Only a few cannon have been cataloged that were in private hands.
Cannon move, and in the 25 years that this survey has been underway, many cannon have disappeared. Where? Who knows. Some people steal cannon for collections or resale, while others do not like them and have them removed and destroyed.
In the time taken by this writer to conduct his survey, Wayne Stark has completed his survey of Civil War Cannon in California. The author has a copy of his list. The writer’s is more diverse with photographs of all cannon.
This study is part of a book entitled The Military History of California by Justin M. Ruhge The Historic Cannon of California survey is presented in the appendix. This survey has 58 files, by county, of information and two photo albums by county. All of these have been placed into the University Of California Santa Barbara Special Collections of the Davidson Library, along with the research material of the book so that a complete record of California Military history will reside in one location.
The book is 81/2x11 inches, comb bound, has 230 pages and 224 illustrations.
Retail price is $33.55 plus tax and any shipping.ROYAL RANCHOS OF THE SPANISH MISSIONS IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
By Justin M. Ruhge
The Royal Ranchos is a new book that was written so that there would be one modern book about the three Santa Barbara County Missions. The word “Royal” is used because the missions were developed under the rule of the Kings of Spain beginning with Carlos III. Royal Ranchos reviews the history of the three missions, and shows the facilities past and present. As a new feature, all of the known ranchos that were associated with the Santa Barbara, Santa Ines and La Purisima Missions are included for the first time. The ranchos covered vast areas of the central coast and were run with the help of local Chumash Indians. The Spanish Royal Ranchos contributed greatly to the development of the eventual state of California and to the Central Coast. Many local place names and future ranchos, San Julian, Jalama, Guadalupe, Sisquoc, Dos Pueblos, San Marcos, Refugio, etc. came from their early development by the missions.
There are five detailed descriptions of typical ranchos that have been newly researched for this book. An extensive reference section is presented in the book along with 84 figures, many newly acquired by the author.
The book has 134 pages, is perfect bound, and has a multi-colored photograph cover.
Individual price is $15.35, plus tax and shipping.
Books can be ordered by sending a purchase order or written request to: Quantum Imaging Associates, jaruhge@hotmail.com.
The author is retired from the California Aerospace business where he was a programs manager. He holds degrees in physics and engineering. He has published 14 other books on state, county and local history subjects; and dozens of newspaper and magazine articles.
THE ROYAL PRESIDIOS OF CALIFORNIA
THE LAST FRONTIER OF THE SPANISH EMPIRE
THE FOUNDATION OF OUR WESTERN HERITAGE.
1683 to 2009
By Justin M. Ruhge
This book is the first to gather in one volume a record of the settlement of the California wilderness by the European Spanish Empire. Described are the settlement of Southern or Baja California by the Spanish beginning in 1683 and then the move to northern or Alta California by the Spanish in 1769 where four presidios and four Castillos were built to hold the last frontier of the Spanish realm of King Carlos III, 240 years ago.
The author has included excerpts from many earlier works and drawings to illustrate the appearance of the first European settlements. Design of the Spanish buildings were directed by the engineers of the Spanish Royal Corps of Engineers.
Three forts built by the Russians, John Sutter and governor Pacheco during this period are also described and illustrated.
The book is printed in 8.5 inches by inches format, black and white, a green and black cover with illustrations, perfect bound with 277 pages, 142 figures, including a bibliography and list of figures.
Individual orders are $25.97 plus sales tax and shipping. E-mail orders to Quantum Imaging Associates Jaruhge@hotmail.com
The author has published 14 other books on state, county and local historical subjects as well as dozens of newspaper and magazine articles over the past 30 years. He is retired from 40 years in the Aerospace business where he was a Program manager. He holds degrees in Physics and Engineering.
THE HISTORY OF GOLETA’S HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES, AND THE PIONEER FAMILIES THAT MADE THEM. THE BOOK IS PERFECT BOUND, 83/8 X7 INCHES, HAS 210 PAGES, 80 FIGURES, MAPS AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY. RETAIL PRICE IS $20.99, PLUS TAX AND ANY SHIPPING
ADDITIONAL BOOKS PUBLISHED BY QUANTUM IMAGING ASSOCIATES
The following books have been published by Quantum Imaging but are no longer in print. The interested reader can locate copies at local libraries or through the interlibrary loan services.
- Francis Drake in Central California—1579,1986
- The Historic Cannon of Goleta—In Search of a Pedigree, 1981
- Goleta—Pueblo de Las Islas, A Pictorial History, 1984
- The Goleta Cannon on Display, 1986
- Gunpowder and Canvas—The History of Maritime Influences on the Central Coast of California, 1985
- The Western Front-The War Years in Santa Barbara County,1937-1954,1988
- Repair and Recovery—The Story of Hoff General Army Hospital, 1940-1954,1990
- Also see: The Historical Notes, published by the Goleta Valley Historical Society, 1980s to 1990s
To order: Send a check or Purchase Order to:
Quantum Imaging Associates, 525 Brookside Dr., Lompoc, CA 93436, 805-737-9536
email: jaruhge@hotmail.com