Landscape change in the Pajaro Valley, 1840-1880: a study in change processes

Obviously, the contemporary Paj'aro Valley landscape1 has not always been the same. It has been altered dynamically through time, and is the product of combined natural and cultural processes. The concept of a dynamic landscape has been a central theme of historical geography for half a century. As a research orientation it has contributed to the understanding of present day landscapes, and has provided several provocative and revealing methodologies. The methodologies differ markedly in their purpose and point of view. However, all illustrate three common characteristics. Firstly, they reveal that the earth's surface is not static in form; on the contrary, it is dynamic, ever-evolving with time. Secondly, they offer a perspective from which the present day landscape can be interpreted and understood. Many landscape elements cannot be understood without acquaintance with past structure and process which influenced their evolution. Thirdly, and specifically pertinent to this study, each methodology confronts the observer with the realization that process is a critical factor in landscape change. The study of change processes is the focus of this study. It may be phrased in the form of a question: What specific processes operate to produce landscape change? In pursuit of an answer to this question, the landscape is conceived as comprising two integral components, structure and process. Structure includes the recognizable features which are organized in a functional relationship that operate as an entity. Process, on the other hand, is the response to forces both external and internal, which operate to produce change. Structure involves the patterns on the land. Process is the dynamic force which shapes the landscape through time (Kirk, 1947). Together they interact to form a holistic functional unit. To illustrate the concept of landscape change, two descriptions of the study area follow. A comparison of these descriptions illustrates graphically the dynamic character of the landscape: ... we mounted and rode along with our vaquero on a pleasant gallop, till we had crossed the plain, when we came to a river, which had been concealed till now by the density of the trees. It was the River "Pajaro," which during the rainy season, becomes at times impassable. ... We rode through a flat, level country, of fifteen or twenty miles in extent, where, on each side, ranged high hills and mountains. These were covered with pines; and on the level below were thousands of scattered oaks. A flock of antelopes crossed our path …these were the first I had seen in this country ... we alighted at the farmhouse of a Californian. The cottage was built of sticks, covered over with mud, and the roof with "brea." All their food was cooked outside the house, and a few paces in front stood a garden ... a few of the tamest of the farmer's cattle were grazing around the house…(Robinson, 1846, pp. 69-70) In 1868 the Pajaro Valley was described as follows:…This land is exceeding fertile, and almost level . . . the grape, peach, apple, wheat, corn, barley, and all the hardy fruits, grain and vegetable, thrive remarkably well in this soil. The black soil of the Pajaro has become famous for the wheat and potatoes it produces. Nearly the whole of this section has been settled by the American and European farmers, and is in a high state of cultivation. Well tilled farms occupy the site of many only cattle ranchos ... the valley is dotted with cheerful rural villages, school-houses and churches. The whole forms a delightful scene of agricultural thrift and prosperity. This beautiful valley was wholly uncultivated prior to 1850. (Cronise, 1868, pp. 121-122) The Pajaro Valley, prior to 1850, was the product of Spanish-Mexican culture; virtually uncultivated, sparsely settled and containing ubiquitous herds of cattle. After 1850 it was occupied by a progressive culture group exhibiting different, if not conflicting, values, social systems, and levels of technology. The transformation which resulted can be attributed simply to cultural succession. However, the present study explores beyond this obvious explanation. The purpose here is to assess the impact of processes on landscape change itself.