Fun and interesting anecdotes from Santa Barbara’s rich history.
Early European explorers described the Santa Barbara region as semi-arid with tranquil streams tracing through coastal canyons blanketed in growth and teeming with wildlife.
Coastal Canyon Landscape, 1884
Henry Chapman Ford (American, 1828-1894)
Oil on canvas
21 x 33 ½ inches
Gift of Jean Smith Goodrich,
The Smith-Walker Foundation
2005.94.1
Prior to European contact, the Americas were home to a multitude of diverse cultures whose religious beliefs were rich and symbolic.
“Crouching Jaguar” Throne, c. 800-1500 A.D.
Manteño culture, south central Ecuador
Volcanic breccia stone
Anonymous gift
12.72.105
Flying A Film Studios
To Gingie, 1924
[Portrait of Melita Robinson Tallant]
John Marshall Gamble (American, 1863-1957)
Oil on canvas
30 x 24 inches
Gift of Cecil and Genevieve Smith and
Idablle (Mrs. George P.) Tallant, Jr.
xx.8.57.52.5