William S. Hart Museum and Ranch

The William S. Hart Museum and Ranch is the site of the former home of actor William S. Hart. Born in 1864, Hart began acting in his 20's, but did not arrive in Hollywood until he was nearly 50 years old. Within a span of eleven years he made more than 64 films, all of them silent. He purchased the ranch house and the property and built a 22 room mansion, which is where the museum is located today. He named is Horseshoe Ranch. The house features Hart's collection of Native American artifacts, western art and Hollywood memorabilia. The ranch sits atop a hill set in a park and is Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture and design. He spent two decades living at the ranch and willed the ranch to Los Angeles County when he died. The intention was to share the ranch and home with the public, free of charge. The ranch is set on 265 acres of land and is home to a variety of animals including a herd of bison, which were a gift from Walt Disney Studios in the early 1960's. The ranch is a member of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Guests are welcome to tour the home and the nature trails on the property, but should call before they arrive because the home is undergoing renovation. School and tour groups sometimes schedule tours at the museum.