Nickelodeon cowboy star William S. Hart thrilled millions of fans in
over 70 shoot-'em-ups in the early days of silent cinema. After
completing his film career in 1925, Hart retired to Horseshoe Ranch in
Newhall, California, where he lived until his death in 1946. Hart willed
the property to the County of Los Angeles, requesting that it become a
park and museum, stating: When I was making pictures, the people gave me
their nickels, dimes, and quarters. When I am gone, I want them to have
my home. William S. Hart Park stands as a fitting testament to Hart's
life and generosity. On its 265 acres, visitors can tour his 22-room
retirement mansion and ranch house, picnic on the park's spacious
tree-shaded lawns, wander miles of trails, feed animals at the barnyard,
and admire the herd of American bison, descendants of those gifted to
the park by Walt Disney. The park is also home to Heritage Junction,
which houses many of Santa Clarita's most historic buildings and serves
as headquarters for the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.