During the early 20th-century, the Santa Clarita Valley was a favorite backdrop for numerous western films. Dozens of western actors could be seen chasing bandits or hunting for treasure amid the hillsides and valleys of the area.
Harry Carey Sr. was a prolific western actor, starring in hundreds of films during the early 20th-century. Carey fell in love with the area and established a 2,000-acre ranch on-site and built the Spanish style Tesoro Adobe as his home. Carey often lent out his ranch for filming to major studios. Universal Studios even built a stable as compensation for filming on the ranch.
As one of the early establishments in Santa Clarita, the Carey Ranch also became a tourist attraction. Carey maintained a variety of livestock and sold goods at the Harry Carey Trading Post with the help of the Navajo. The Tesoro Adobe also welcomed many western stars over the years including John Wayne, Will Rogers, Tom Mix, and William S. Hart.
Today, the Tesoro Adobe sits hidden within a community development in the Valencia area. Upon entering the park, visitors are greeted by old structures from the ranch including stables, bunkhouses, and the main adobe structure.
Exploring the area gives visitors an opportunity to discover the remnants of a once-thriving ranch that has been swallowed up by urban expansion.
