California Historical Landmarks in Santa Barbara County
California Historical Landmark 248
US 101 North-Bound Gaviota Rest Stop
Here, on Christmas Day, 1846, natives and soldiers from the Presidio of Santa Barbara lay in ambush for Lieutenant Colonel John C. Frémont, U.S.A., and his battalion. Frémont learned of the plot and, guided by Benjamin Foxen and his son William, came instead over the San Marcos Pass, to capture Santa Barbara without bloodshed.
Citation from California Office of Historic Preservation