Rattlesnake Canyon (Santa Barbara) facts for kids
Rattlesnake Canyon is a beautiful area that stretches from Skofield Park all the way into the Santa Ynez mountains. It's named "Rattlesnake" because of its winding, curvy shape, like a snake. It's not because there are lots of rattlesnakes living there!
History of Rattlesnake Canyon
Early Water Systems
Around the year 1808, the Santa Barbara Mission needed a lot of water. They got their water from Mission Creek. To help move the water, they used an aqueduct. An aqueduct is like a special channel or bridge built to carry water over long distances.
The water was brought from Rattlesnake Canyon into Mission Creek. This was done using channels called Las Canoas, which means "The Flumes." The native Chumash people helped a lot with digging these channels. They also helped build the flumes.
Later in 1808, Mexican builders created stronger dams. These dams were built on Mission Creek and also in Rattlesnake Canyon. Today, only small parts of these old dams remain. The reservoir, which used to hold water, is now filled with dirt and sand from the creek.
Skofield Family and Park Creation
In the 1920s, a rich man named Ray Skofield owned all of Rattlesnake Canyon. He was from New York but moved to Santa Barbara. His son, Hobart Skofield, loved the canyon too. In the early 1930s, Hobart planted many pine trees there.
Sadly, a big fire called the Coyote Fire burned down these trees. But people didn't give up! In 1966, the Sierra Club helped replant the trees.
In 1970, Hobart Skofield decided to sell a large part of the canyon. He sold about 450 acres (1.8 square kilometers) for much less than it was worth. He wanted it to become a wilderness park. This is how the Rattlesnake Canyon Wilderness Area was created, so everyone could enjoy its natural beauty.
