[Alexandria Oil Co.]

An interesting map of Santa Paula District, Ventura County, CA showing plots of land belonging to various oil companies. The map is accompanied by a report to the company’s directors, written by J.L. Holland, describing Santa Paula’s location, terrain, viability and the success of other nearby oil companies. Holland writes that the “territory possesses a number of very superior advantages, among which may be mentioned, the high grade of the oil, being from 30 to 35 gravity, and very valuable for refining for illuminating as well as for fuel.” He notes another advantage, “is that it lies within 16 miles of tide water with two pipe lines extending to the wharf at Ventura, always ensuring cheap transportation. The product can be sold on the ground on good terms, or shipped at the option of the producer.”

Despite these advantages, however the Alexandria Oil Company was a short-lived venture, however. It was incorporated in 1901 and dissolved a year later.