SANTA MARIA AWAKENED to new opportunities as agricultural production 

 stepped up and local business improved. Within five years the population of 

 Santa Maria doubled and there has been consistent, steady growth throughout 

 the valley since. In 1924, before Captain Hancock arrived, only 68 railway car- 

 loads of fresh vegetables were shipped out of the entire valley. In 1925 out- 

 bound carloadings totaled 1,427. By 1930 outbound carloadings reached 6,600 

 and the total of inbound and outbound freight reached a peak of 11,240 car- 

 loads. In May, 1927, the Santa Maria Valley originated more shipments of fresh 

 vegetables than any other point in the United States. Freight traffic has held up 

 consistently around 10,000 cars a year and general offices of the Santa Maria 

 Valley Railroad, shown above, are the hub of activity. It is a broad-gauge line 

 which connects with the Southern Pacific coast line at Guadalupe. Santa Maria 

 has come to be known as "The Valley of Gardens." The valley is approximately 

 30 miles in length, its westerly end opening upon the blue Pacific. Santa Maria 

 is 75 miles north of Santa Barbara. 



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