Representing what the people wanted and cheered about, Will Rogers was a major part of the beginning of America's 20th century. He was a cowboy first and foremost, and love of horses and roping. Among other things he went on to become an actor, radio commentator, humorist and philosopher. He wrote a daily column which appeared in over 300 newspaper, and his quotes and remarks remain insightful to this day.
Will was born in 1879 and named after a famous Cherokee leader. He died an untimely death when his plane crashed in Alaska in 1935. He was with renowned pilot Wiley Post.
Having said this, how lucky we are to live so close to the Will Rogers State Historic Park that his widow Betty Rogers deeded to the State of California in 1944. You can enjoy learning about his heritage while visiting his 186 acre property that he purchased in 1922 and that is now part of Pacific Palisades. The home was last increased to 31 rooms, 11 baths and seven fireplaces. Living in the house were Will and Betty and their four children, unfortunately losing one young son. Many celebrities of the time including Walt Disney, Clark Gable and Charles Lindbergh were frequent visitors. There is a polo field, a grassy center where he practiced roping, and amazingly large stables.
When you enter the Visitor Center which was once the guest house, there is a black and white mini film showing how he learned to rope as well as the silent films and talkies he was in.
The tour of his residence led by a docent, shows a ranch house decorated in a western motif, and a dining room table set with the plates and glassware of the time.
As far as activities go, you can enjoy a hike, picnic on the many tables available, along with several barbeques on the fantastic rolling grounds.
The park is located at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades , (310) 454-8212 ext. 100
www.parks.ca.gov/willrogers is easily accessible from either Pacific Coast Highway or 405 Freeway.
There is a slight fee for parking.
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