A new online archive for Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is now available on the City of Carlsbad’s website. The archive features selected historic objects, photographs and paper materials relating to the life and times of famous actor, Leo Carrillo, and his historic Rancho de Los Quiotes.
Leo bought the land in 1937 to build a ranch that was inspired by the historic ranchos of the early Californio era. During his time on the ranch, he welcomed many other golden era Hollywood elites.
One of the items featured in the collection is an autographed Rancho Visitadores hat. The Rancheros Visitadores or “Visiting Ranchers” is an invitation-only riding club, one of the most elite equestrian clubs in the world. The hat is signed and autographed by the participating members of the Rancheros Visitadores in 1946 and 1947. Among the signatures are Leo Carrillo, Walt Disney and Montie Montana.
Carrillo’s leather membership plaque is also in the collection.
To learn more about other featured items in our collection, visit the Carrillo Ranch Archives
About
Leo Carrillo Ranch:
The ranch was owned by Leo Carrillo, an actor famous during the golden era of Hollywood. He was best known for his role as “Pancho” on the Cisco Kid television series that was hugely popular in the 1950’s. In 1937, he purchased land in Carlsbad and began to build a ranch that was inspired by the historic ranchos of the early Californio era. Today, the buildings and 27 acres surrounding the ranch are a city park open to the public for touring, as well as a location for educational classes and camps and the site of large community and private events.
