100 Famous Views of the OC

#45 Corrie TenBoom (Irene)

2009-09-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

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Corrie TenBoom told the story of her life in "The Hiding Place." She died in Cypress, California, in 1983 and was buried at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana. Corrie and her family sheltered many Jews and resisters of Nazism in Holland during the years of the Holocaust, and they were arrested and imprisoned in a concentration camp where her father and sister died. Corrie survived, established homes for the healing and rehabilitation of WW2 survivors, and went on to travel all over the world speaking on the impact that God's love and forgiveness can have on one's life. Her simple, unadorned grave speaks to me of the of the power of an ordinary person to do what is right when called upon. I like to think of her kind and courageous heart embracing those who must visit this cemetery in the midst of grief and loss. MAP

#44 UCI (Tanya)

2009-07-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

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UCI: “Under Construction Indefinitely,” “University of Chinese Immigrants,” or “University of Civics and Integras. ” Whatever the creative acronym of preference, the University of California, Irvine, is undoubtedly the heart of Orange County. This public ivy institution was founded in 1965 and has grown to a nationally-ranked public research university, NCAA Division I school, and will be home to southern California’s newest law school. It also plays a vital role in the Orange County economy as the second largest employer in the region. On a personal note, my undergraduate experience at UCI not only fostered a career path and introduced me to life-long friends; it cultivated my appreciation for a strong sense of community and diversity of thought. MAP

#43 Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary (Kirk)

2009-07-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

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Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary Bird Porch: It is a wonderful place to watch hummingbirds, finches, quail, scrub jays and more visit the many feeders in front of the porch. On a hot day one can take a seat under the sheltering wisteria and relax far from the sprawl and noise of Orange County, as generations of people have been doing since the 1920's. MAP

#42 Top of the World (Sofia)

2009-06-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

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The one place I consider to be famous in the OC is Top of The World. It is a simply breathtaking view because you can look to the west and see the coast with the ocean lapping on the shore. The you can look to the east and see inland and see all the homes and the beautiful mountains and other landscapes. Top of the World is the only place that came to mind when I heard about this project. MAP

#41 Calvary Chapel: Costa Mesa (Rick)

2009-05-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

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If I had to pick one I would pick Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa. Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa helped define the Jesus Movement in the late 60's and early 70's. From its humble beginnings as a small 'country church', Calvary Chapel has grown to become a mega church with over 1300 affiliated churches worldwide. MAP

#40 Alibaba Motel (Jennifer)

2009-05-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

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One of the famous/infamous landmarks along the 55 fwy heading south is the AliBaba Motel (off Newport Blvd and 22nd). It is of significance because it was once a fine establishment to stay in when visiting Costa Mesa/Goathill back in the day, but also because it is of personal value to me. Upon leaving my marriage with my 6 (now 16 year old daughter) from a move to Northern California, we returned to Costa Mesa--our home. When we were exiting the freeway, she said, "Oh Momma, the AliBaba! We're Home!" And every single day that I drive past, I think, "I am home." The way the light is reflected off the gold roof is phenomenal. The fact that teenagers now rent the rooms out for a night to party. It has evolved as the OC has evolved and as my daughter and I have evolved. For better or worse, it still stands and represents home to me and to her and probably to many others. Take a look! MAP

#39 Sunset Beach Water Tower (Jeani)

2009-05-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

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My favorite place is Sunset Beach where I currently live. It is where I went throughout my life as a kid and have lived there the last 8 years. It is unincorporated, so no mailman, market, school. Volunteer fire dept. Lots of community activities, a lot of musicians, fun people and some real kooks! The Water Tower is known in Sunset. You can rent it monthly for, I believe $7,000 per month! MAP

#38 San Juan Capistrano Train Station (Rik)

2009-05-24T10:10:00.001-07:00

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My own very favorite is the Train Station at San Juan Capistrano. Of course from the Historic Los Rios side. It's almost like someone took a giant knife and sliced it right down the middle. One side Los Rios. The other side development. In the 1950's I first heard the song "When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano." It hypnotized me for life! It is what brought me to California from Florida. And only part of what has kept me here all these years. It's truly a step back in time for me - every time I go there. MAP

#37 Huntington Beach Field Workers (Amalia)

2009-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

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I'm an Orange County Native and a Social Worker. I think that my famous hometown of Huntington Beach should definitely be in the projects. However, I would like to show a different side of the partying and surfing... it maybe the social worker in me, but I've always wanted to stop and photograph the hidden field workers that pick vegetables on the corner of Slater and Graham... The field is hidden and enclosed by a bike trail with a view of the ocean... MAP

#36 Ramakrishna Monastery (Mary)

2009-05-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

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This place is dedicated to honoring all religious traditions and is a place of quiet peacefulness... It is one of the few places where there is actually a medicine wheel that is used by Native Americans for prayer as well as having shrines to the Jewish, Hindu, Christian, Moslem and Buddhist traditions, etc. that are used as places of quiet prayer and meditation. I love the views there, the quiet natural peacefulness and like the drive up there through the oak lined streets. My favorite places there are the Hindu, Christian and Native American shrines... The other areas are beautiful too. You may well have your favorites once you go up there. Be sure to ring the bell when you go up there so the monks will know you are there and make sure you take of your shoes and go into the meditation cave to just be in the darkness and silence which is so potent that you can hear your own breath and heart beat. MAP

#35 Gum Grove Park (Patrick)

2008-10-08T04:48:00.000-07:00

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One of my favorite places in OC has always been Gum Grove Park in Seal Beach, More of an undeveloped chunk of land/dumping ground/wetlands than a park, it backs up to Long Beach, LA County and the San Gaberial river. It Has traditionally been kind of sketchy and as kids we wern't really supposed to go up there unsupervised, but we would ride our bikes up there after school and build forts, bikeramps, treehouses, and sneak past the old barbwire and onto the Bixby property next to it. It is a glimpse of what this part of OC used to look like, 100 years ago. MAP

#34 Centennial Farm (Ken)

2008-08-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

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I would like to submit the Orange County Centennial Farm (located next to the Orange County Fair Grounds). I like it because of its beauty as a very small replica of rural farm area in a very large urban area. It reminds me of my days of youth when being raised on a dairy farm in northern Illinois. It also has great value as a learning tool for the young kids of our area being raised in an urban setting to visit a farm and learn about the animals. It's a neat place to visit. MAP

#33 Cazador Lane (Sawyer)

2008-07-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

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I believe a picture of Cazador Lane, a one-way street above the pier in San Clemente, is a fine selection. A picture towards the big house for sale towards the end of the street, overlooking the Beachcomber Motel and SC Pier on the north side of the motel. MAP

#32 Great Park Balloon (George)

2008-07-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

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I would like to recommend that you include the Orange County Great Park and its Great Park Balloon as one of your locations. The $1.2 billion project that is transforming the former El Toro Marine Base here in Orange County to the first great urban park of the 21st Century is definitely something worthy of inclusion in your book. The balloon is very iconic and symbolizes the project. MAP

#31 The Wedge (Candi)

2008-07-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

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I would nominate "The Wedge" in Newport Beach. This spot has become famous to on lookers, surfers, and skimboarders who are both locals and tourists. It's one of a kind location and just the sheer velocity of the wave breaks makes this place so interesting (and also dangerous for amateurs). Anyone who appreciates the ocean would appreciate viewing the marvelous waves at the wedge as it sits in a prestine location surrounded by million dollar homes. MAP

#30 Huntington Beach Power Station (Bradford)

2008-07-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

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I would like to pick the Edison power plant in HB.
At dusk all the lights go on and against the setting sun can be quite something, particularly with smoke coming out of it.
It has always seemed so out of place in a way and that's what I like about it.
It's powerful, scary and mysterious.
I had several paper routes as a kid in that neighborhood.
I also lived around the corner.
I had a 32 year old girlfriend when I was 14 who lived in the mobile homes across the street who taught me everything. Can you say statutory rape?
I surfed Newland street a thousand times. MAP

#29 Pacific Mobile Home Park (Cindy)

2008-07-16T17:39:00.001-07:00

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I would like to nominate Pacific Mobile Home Park in Huntington Beach. I moved into this funky little trailer park a block from the beach over 7 years ago, planning on staying about a year, and here I still am. This park has been here in some form or other for about 80 years. There are quaint vintage trailers & brand new manufactured homes all mixed together. If you take a cruise through the park you will see some very interesting places indeed. The residents are an interesting mix, as well! The office & pool area are pure mid century modern. We are located right behind the Waterfront Hilton (on PCH) on Huntington Street & Atlanta. MAP

#28 Orange Plaza (Beverly)

2008-07-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

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The Plaza at Orange became the historic center of the town of Orange. The town became incorporated on April 6, 1888 and is registered on the National Historic Register. It is a popular spot for the city's fairs, parades and celebrations. The plaza, traffic circle, and surroundings have been used in many movies. MAP

#27 Bolsa Chica Wetlands (Rob)

2008-07-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

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The wetlands at Bolsa Chica. There is nothing more relaxing than to stand and watch the black skimmers as they fly over the water dipping their beaks to catch any unlucky fish that gets in their way. Nothing is more exciting than watching the least tern hover and then dive for a meal. Pelicans, great egrets, black-necked stilts... too many birds to name. And you can be in the midst of them by taking a stroll on the path above the water. Don't forget to look down into the water to see a variety of sea life under your feet. MAP

#26 Crystal Cathedral (Melissa)

2008-07-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

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I think Crystal Cathedral is a famous place in the OC. Every Sunday you can see the church and its pastor on TV, no matter where you live in the nation. They put on an extravagant Easter and Christmas production every year. Visiting Crystal Cathedral is an experience in itself. It is huge and so amazing to think that it is all made of glass. You can sit in church services and look out through the walls, you can even see the sky. Also, you can see the top of crystal cathedral from miles around. MAP

#25 El Toro at Laguna Canyon (Suki)

2008-07-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

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I cannot drive past this spot without telling my fellow passengers to take note of the rock formations. It is only a small section of The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. One must park and walk to see all the beauties this place has to offer. The Foundation has cards of some of the plein air paintings done here. I recommend artists bringing their supplies and finding their own favorite spots to sketch or paint. Go to the Foundation web site and learn about the history of the remarkable long struggle of so many nature lovers, so many artists and residents who made this Wilderness Park possible. We are all benefactors and I am very appreciative. MAP

#24 Huntington Beach Surfer (Danielle)

2008-06-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

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I would have to say that that for me I grew up in Huntington Beach and learned to surf at the state beach. The statue of the surfer on the corner of PCH and Huntington St is a must, right in front of the Hilton. It was fun trying to put clothes on him as a kid. MAP

#23 Mission San Juan Capistrano (Randi)

2008-06-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

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Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776 and is a shining example of the history of our county. It is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved missions in California. It's a living piece of history and has grown to be the heartbeat of San Juan Capistrano.

Visiting the Mission is a truly relaxing and enjoyable day. They've recently added an audio tour so you have the option of all the information you ever wanted or a quiet walk in the garden amidst the ruins of the great stone church. You can find painters and photographers on the Mission grounds constantly and it is a favorite location to have wedding pictures taken. The second Saturday of each month is living history day and the Mission grounds are full of reinactors

When we first moved to San Juan Capistrano seven years ago, I found it quite strange that the community center seemed to be the Mission. Especially being an atheist. But I have come to love the Mission as much as anyone else in our little town. Its director is one of the most dynamic people I have ever met. The mission staff goes out of their way to try and help and support the community. There is something going on at the Mission for everyone and as soon as you step through that gate, you are in a world of wonder. MAP

#22 Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (Julie)

2008-06-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

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I'm originally from Los Angeles and, like many Angelenos, while growing up I had the stereotype planted in my head that O.C. was lacking in the arts and progressive thinking. Then I discovered the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA) in Santa Ana's Artist's Village. Since it's inception in 1980, OCCCA provides emerging and established member and guest artists a forum to explore and develop ideas in contemporary art. This takes place in an atmosphere that promotes experimentation and risk-taking without the specter of censorship. I highly recommend the first Saturday of the month art openings throughout Santa Ana's Artists' Village. MAP

#21 Lido Theater (Pamela)

2008-06-11T05:06:00.000-07:00

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My famous place is the Lido Theater. I have been driving onto Lido Isle since 1960 and every time I pass the Theater and then cross over the Bridge I know I am home. Lido Isle was originally just a sand bank that was where they dumped the sand after they drudged the bay to create a harbor. My Dad had a boat down here since the 1950's. In the early 30's/40's (I think - could be wrong on dates - it is posted in our clubhouse on the island) a local car dealer would give you a lot on Lido if you bought a car. Now we all joke that the land is sold by the spoonful. MAP

#20 Silverado Canyon (Jill)

2008-06-11T04:55:00.000-07:00

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Silverado Canyon, because we think of Orange County as almost being like LA, but life is so close to home but so different there. MAP

#19 Smile Zone (Megan)

2008-06-03T17:56:00.000-07:00

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To me Laguna Beach is a magical place. I love the feel of being down there, from the board walk and the beach, to all the great hiking in the canyons behind. One of my favorite places down there is south of the boardwalk a way down the beach. On a concrete wall someone has painted on a mural with the words "smile zone". You can't help but be happy on the beach in the smile zone. MAP

#18 1000 Steps Beach (Elle)

2008-06-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

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You should consider "the stairs" at 1000 steps beach in Laguna Beach. The OC is very fitness (vanity!!) oriented. Tons of people use these stairs for exercise every day. They are "locally" famous! MAP

#17 Crescent Bay Park (Daryle Lynn)

2008-05-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

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We would like to nominate Crescent Bay Park and View Point. This area brings us so close to nature and God’s creation. Standing at the viewpoint is one place where we can have a greater than 180 degree view of the ocean. The cozy, grassy park area of Crescent Bay is so serene and a wonderful place to have an afternoon or evening sunset picnic. MAP

#16 (Newport Harbor (Yves)

2008-05-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

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The view of Newport harbor from the park on Cliff Drive: I think the history is interesting. From the OC Weekly, “No one wanted to live in what would become Newport Beach (cold, sand got in your sandwiches, smelled of dead fish). This led to an unfriendly rivalry that had Costa Mesa referring to the lowlands as 'Mackerel Flats,' while the backward types that hugged the coast called the higher ground 'Goat Hill.' That’s because goats used to graze on the Costa Mesa grasslands until they were all rounded up.” So I think the view from that point is interesting because nowadays what used to be called “mackerel flats” is one of the most desirable (and expensive) places to live in OC. MAP

#15 Blimp Hangers (Suzanne)

2008-05-19T18:57:00.001-07:00

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I would like to put forward my idea of a memorable part of Orange County. I feel that the blimp hangers are very memorable and interesting to look at. I have been all over the country, and these are the only blimp hangers I have seen in the direct center of a city. MAP

#14 South Coast Plaza (Christy)

2008-05-18T19:16:00.001-07:00

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Surely the commerce that transformed the orange groves of Orange County into a center of wealth known as the OC is best symbolized by one of the premier shopping destinations in the world -- South Coast Plaza. So even though our hearts find peace and restoration in the natural beauty of our diverse county, rightly or wrongly our aspirations and acquisitive culture lead thousands of us to the mall every week-end... MAP

#13 Amtrak San Clemente (Beth)

2008-05-09T05:32:00.000-07:00

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I love images that show juxtaposition of cultural extremes, which is usually so much easier to find in Japan than here. My favorite example in Orange County, though, is that of the Amtrak train stopping on the beach in San Clemente, with the old-fashioned train signs in view. MAP

#12 Orange Groves (Lex)

2008-05-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

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Orange Groves - I know developer William Lyon has some on his estate. It's very disheartening to know the beautiful groves that named this county are near extinction. MAP

#11 Noguchi Sculpture Garden (Phyllis)

2008-05-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

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The Noguchi Sculpture garden near TGI Fridays off Bristol and Anton, between the two large bank buildings, is exquisite! The Redwoods and sculpture et al. Hardly anyone knows it exists. MAP

#10 Crystal Cove (Gayla)

2008-04-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

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Crystal Cove, to me, is the most amazing place on Earth! It is unspoiled, serene, beautiful and a real treasure. Every single time I am out there, I see dolphins or sea lions. It is not a heavily populated beach like some of the others in Southern California. Crystal Cove will always hold a special place in my heart as I remember seven years ago when my husband proposed to me there!..... MAP

#9 Huntington Beach Pier (Kimberly Anne)

2008-04-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

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I would like to suggest the pier here in Huntington Beach. It is the longest pier in Orange County standing at 1,853 feet in length. Second to the Oceanside Pier in San Diego at 1,942. I personally love this pier as I have a regular ritual of walking it as many mornings as I can and have done so for at least the last 5 years. Everyone loves the HB pier. It is an OC landmark and tourist attraction. One of my favorite things about the pier is when you are walking down it you get the awesome views of the ocean and the surfers with the bright red beacon at the end (Rubys), and you cant forget about Catalina on those clear days.... but then you get to the end walk around and come out to the other view standing over the water looking at the shoreline.... unobstructed by houses and buildings low enough so that on those super clear days in winter when a storm has just past, you can see the snow capped mountains standing tall in the distance. Truly a beautiful sight and place. There are other great things about the pier, have not enough time to write them all..... MAP

#8 San Clemente Pier (Brian)

2008-04-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

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The place I choose is the San Clemente Pier. A central part of the San Clementians life and daily routines, it offers a wondrous location for friends, family, lovers, old/young and even friends to be, to meet and experience life. With the pier restaurant, surf spot, playground, beach and amazing views and fishing, the San Clemente pier is one of those man made commodities this community really got right. MAP

#7 Disneyland (Trish)

2008-04-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

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When I think of the OC, I picture Disneyland. A child with big bright excited eyes . . . MAP

#6 Cook's Corner (Debra)

2008-04-17T04:52:00.000-07:00

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I think Cook's Corner is an Orange County landmark. It's a place where those from all walks of life, who ride motorcycles, gather on the weekends to meet, eat and drink at this historical bar and eating establishment. You don't have to have a "bike" to hangout there. People come for taco or spaghetti nights, chili cook offs, or any number of events. It has a family appeal too - their sign even says "children welcome." MAP

#5 Fullerton Bench (Barbara)

2008-04-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

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Here is one of my favorite sites in OC. It is at the corner of Commonwealth Ave and Highland Ave. in Fullerton in front of the city hall. There are two trees with a bench between it. The trees have grown so large over the years that the bench is being squished. I just love that bench. MAP

#4 Santora Building (Jennifer)

2008-04-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

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The Santora Building in Santa Ana on Broadway . . . some people say that Lucy and Desi Arnaz used to do to an underground nightclub there during prohibition. MAP

#3 Sprite Lamp (Susan)

2008-04-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

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I am a graphic designer, and I have always loved the sprite (for lack of a better word) lamp post in South Laguna, after Aliso beach on the ocean side of PCH. The first time I saw it was years ago in a local Laguna paper under the segment/contest called "where is it?" Now that I finally found it, I can't NOT look. MAP

#2 Treasure Island Beach (Molly)

2008-04-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

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Treasure Island Beach in front of Montage Resort in Laguna Beach is amazing and also famous from the movie of the same name. I especially love the stone arch and tide pools. MAP

#1 Blackstar Canyon (Evelyn)

2008-04-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

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I would identify Blackstar Canyon. This area really exemplifies the little-known natural beauty of Orange County, and has a fascinating historical context. MAP