Warner’s Ranch
As stated in the National Register application for Warner’s Ranch in Warner Springs, “Although the buildings are in very poor condition, they were deteriorating at the time of the landmark designation. Maintained in relatively stable condition they provide an accurate unrestored illustration of early conditions in the far west.” The Governor of California, Manuel Micheltorena, granted 44,322 acres to Juan José Warner, a naturalized American-Mexican citizen, in 1844. From 1849 to 1861, the ranch was important as a stop for emigrant travelers on the Southern Emigrant Trail, including the Gila River Emigrant Trail and the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line. Warner established the only trading post between New Mexico and Los Angeles. It is a California Historical Landmark, a US National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Warner Springs, San Diego County
Photographer: Jeanne Robers