Amid the carnage caused by the devastating Palisades Fire, two pieces of California history harken back to a bygone era.
Will Rogers’ historic ranch home was owned by the famous social critic, actor and performer, and the Topanga Ranch Motel was owned by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Randolph Hearst, is a victim of fires that have wreaked havoc across Southern California over the past two days.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire had burned nearly 16,000 acres and engulfed another 300 structures, including homes and businesses.
“California State Parks mourns the loss of these valuable natural and cultural resources, and our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area,” Quintero said. said in a statement.
Fires destroyed state employee residences at Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Park, both of which were damaged, along with more than 30 other structural losses.
Rogers, with His political comments in his later yearsonce one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. He began his career as a vaudeville performer and was also a noted humorist.
On January 8, 2025, a fire broke out at the historic Topanga Ranch Motel.
(California State Parks)
In the 1920s, Rogers purchased land in Santa Monica and developed a 359-acre ranch overlooking the Pacific Ocean at what is now the Pacific Palisades.
The actual ranch home consists of 31 rooms, along with a guest house, a stable, corrals, a golf course and hiking trails.
Rogers died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935 at the age of 55.
His widow, Betty, eventually donated the ranch to the state in 1944, and it became a historic state park.
Rogers’ family said in a statement Wednesday that they were deeply saddened by the destruction of Rogers’ historic home and “the barn that was built as a joke.”
“While the loss of Will Rogers Ranch is devastating, it pales in comparison to the loss of property, businesses and, more importantly, the lives of people in the surrounding area,” Jennifer Rogers, a representative for the Rogers family, said in a statement. See the great witch.
Rogers was born into a Cherokee family in Oklahoma and is considered “our favorite Cherokee,” said Cherokee Nation Grand Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. one”.
“The loss of Will Rogers’ historic home is undoubtedly a tragedy, and the entire Cherokee Nation is sending our thoughts and prayers to great-granddaughter Jennifer Rogers-Echeverry and her family,” Hosking said. said in a statement.
Topanga Ranch Motel before the Palisades Fire.
(California State Parks)
In 1929, San Francisco native Hearst built the bungalow-style Topanga Ranch Motel across the street from Topanga Beach.
The 30-room motel was once home to construction workers who built the Pacific Coast Highway.
While hotels in the area are pricey, the Topanga Ranch Motel offers an inexpensive beachfront vacation.
Tourists, families and writers have lived there for decades. The facility was acquired by California State Parks in 2001.
There are plans to restore 20 of the bungalows for public use.
Quintero said state parks closed Topanga and Will Roger state parks and beaches shortly after the Palisades Fire on Tuesday.
Other historic or significant losses include:
palisades charter high school
The 3,000-student campus suffered extensive damage, including to the school’s sports facilities and bungalows. Neighboring Palisades Charter Elementary and nearby Marquez Charter Elementary are expected to be total losses.
Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center
Torah scrolls preserved but temples and centers destroyed, as one community claims Pasadena home more than 100 years old.
Pearson Theater at the Palisades Theater
Performances date back to the 1960s, and the theater was built in the 1980s. Due to the severe damage caused by the fire, the board of directors has suspended all operations, according to a statement.
Scroll Inn
One of Malibu’s famous “seafood shacks”, the Reel Inn, burned down. Its owner confirmed on Instagram. The store has a history of 36 years.
