Barker Ranch
Barker Ranch was built by recreational ranchers who wanted to live in solitude and enjoy the simplicities of life. Bluth and Helen Thomason aquired the property in the 1930s where they both wished to try their luck at mining. In 1940, a stone cabin was built that had a spring nearby for drinking water and electricity was generated by a windmill. After Jim and Arlene Barker purchased the ranch in 1955 they enlarged the house to have large family gatherings. The infamous Manson family occupied this ranch for a brief period of time from 1968 to 1969. Some of the family members burned an NPS tractor which caught the attention of law enforcement officials. After Barker Ranch was raided and the Manson family members were jailed for vandalism, it became appearant they were involved with horrific murders in Los Angeles. In May 2009, Barker Ranch was destroyed in an accidental fire.