Historic Will Rogers Home Reduced to Ashes in California Wildfire Tragedy

The Oklahoma History Center informed KOCO that the majority, if not the entirety, of Will Rogers State Historic Park has been destroyed by the wildfire. The historic home where Rogers once lived was located within the park.

By Sheenu Gupta On Jan 9, 2025 Share with new partner:

Wildfires sweeping across California have severely impacted the Will Rogers State Historic Park, located in Los Angeles. The park, which honors the life and legacy of famed humorist, actor, and social commentator Will Rogers, has suffered significant damage as the flames continue to spread. This historic site, which includes Rogers’ former residence and extensive grounds, has long been a treasured landmark for its cultural importance and scenic beauty. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze, but the extent of the destruction is still being assessed.

Will Rogers, originally from Oklahoma, was a highly celebrated vaudeville performer and actor who rose to prominence in the early 20th century. Born in the Cherokee Nation in what later became part of Oklahoma, he began his career as a cowboy and trick roper before gaining fame in vaudeville with his impressive rope tricks and comedic storytelling. His natural charm and wit eventually led him to success in silent films and later talkies, where he became a beloved figure in American entertainment. Seeking new opportunities, Rogers later relocated to California, where he continued his acting career and became an influential public figure, known for his humor, political commentary, and humanitarian efforts.

The Will Rogers State Historic Park, once the private estate of famed actor and humorist Will Rogers, has suffered extensive damage due to the California wildfires. Officials have confirmed that Rogers’ historic home was completely destroyed, though they are still assessing the full extent of damage to the surrounding property.

Trait Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, expressed profound sadness over the loss. In a statement, he emphasized the significance of the site, which spanned 186 acres and included Rogers’ former home. He highlighted that Rogers, a Cherokee born in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in 1879, was honored at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, which preserves his legacy as “Oklahoma’s Favorite Son.” Thompson also extended support to the park staff and the Rogers family, noting their ongoing involvement in keeping Rogers’ story alive.

Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, Will Rogers’ great-granddaughter, described the destruction of the California ranch as heartbreaking but stressed that the greater tragedy was the loss of lives, homes, and businesses in the surrounding area. She expressed the family’s devastation and sympathy for the Pacific Palisades community, which has long supported the park. Rogers-Etcheverry reiterated that the family, which donated the estate to the State of California in 1944 to serve as a living museum, remains committed to supporting the park’s recovery.

She also confirmed that California State Parks officials are actively assessing the damage, with some staff managing to remove artifacts from the home before the fire reached its peak. However, the full scope of the damage is still unclear and may take days to determine.

The wildfires, which broke out on Tuesday in the Los Angeles area, have already claimed the lives of two people and destroyed more than 1,000 structures across four separate blazes.