This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: genealogymom60 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.california.counties.sonoma/6164.3/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Book Title: History Of Sonoma County OCEAN. Geography.—Ocean township lies on the western side of Sonoma county, bordering on the Pacific ocean. It is bounded on the east by Mendocino, Redwood and Bodega townships, on the south by Bodega township, on the west by the Pacific ocean, and on the north by Salt Point township. Its boundary lines are very irregular, not following any direction for any great distance, thus giving to the township a very jagged and peculiar shape. Russian river, "Rio de los Rusos," and Austin creek, so named for an old pioneer settler, are its only streams of any importance whatever. Neither of these are navigable. The river however is quite a stream, and is very deep and wide in places, but quite narrow and shallow in others. It is easily forded during the greater portion of the year at the present site of Duncan's Mill, but in the Winter season both the river and the creek become swollen by the rains, and are veritable mountain torrents. The water rushes seaward with relentless fury, and everything in its pathway is swept into the broad bosom of the Pacific. There is no place however within the limits of this township on the river which affords water power privileges. It is a beautiful mountain stream and abounds in certain kinds of fish. Topography.—The topography of this Township is very varied; extending from the level valley to the high mountain peaks. There is but comparatively little level land in it, and but little but what is so nearly set upon edge that it cannot be practically farmed, that portion of it lying south of the Russian River and also that along the ocean is well adapted to grazing and dairying purposes, but farther in the interior the mountains are very steep and high, and afford only timber. Of course these mountains are interspersed with rich valleys which are very productive. A birds-eye view of the whole township would reveal one grand panoramic view of hill and dale, of mountain and valley, extending over its entire length and breadth, threaded from east to west, near its southern end by the Russian river, and near its eastern border by Austin creek. At the north west corner, Black mountain stands out in bold relief rearing its head high above the ocean level. http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/CADATA/2006-02/1140972677 here is where I found the information Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.