This important report settled the decade long "Free Harbor Fight" for federal support to develop a deep water port to serve Los Angeles. Railroad magnate Collis P. Huntington promoted Santa Monica as the ideal location (over which he had a monopoly), however, local newspaper and business interests supported a “free” harbor open to all at San Pedro. Both sides lobbied Washington for a decade, and Congress finally established an independent board to make the decision. The San Pedro location was ultimately selected and became one of the world’s great ports and engine for the rapid development of Los Angeles at the beginning of the 20th century. The 330-page volume includes 28 folding maps, profiles, and diagrams covering both the Santa Monica and San Pedro locations as well as 11 single-page photographic plates. Disbound.

For a brief article on the significance of the report and its decision, click here.

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Condition: B+

Folding maps are very good to mostly near fine with a few short binding tears and occasional faint toning along the fold lines. Text has pleasant light toning.