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Unlike the Will Rogers estate (which is located in the heart of Sunset Blvd. between Beverly Hills and Malibu), the Hart ranch requires a fairly long drive north, out past the San Fernando foothills, to a 265-acre grassy mesa covered with sycamore trees, near Magic Mountain.
Born in 1864, Hart spent his childhood in the Midwest, including early contacts with cowboys, ranchers and American Indians. So he always strove for authenticity in his costumes, sets and scenery; his early six-gun adventures inspired most of the later silver screen cowboys such as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. But Hart's last movie was 1925's "Tumbleweeds," so most of us grew up long after he had retired to his ranch home in the Valley to write novels.
Alas, William S. Hart County Park is located a quite a few miles from Hollywood, up in the Santa Clarita Valley, just before you reach Magic Mountain amusement park. So for some people, a trip to nearby Will Rogers State Park might appear more practical. But if you're a fan of Hart's, a lover of Western lore, or just curious, it's well worth a visit. And with its herds of buffalo and nostalgic ranch atmosphere, it has its own special charm. Each May (since 1992), the
park also hosts an annual "Animal Fair," featuring celebrity
movie animals (such as "Beethoven" and the dog from "Turner
& Hooch"), along with live bands, a Wild West show, exotic
animals, pony rides, face-painting, food, games & exhibits. Phone for
details about this year's Animal Fair.
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