Jack London State Historic Park facts for kids
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Jack London Ranch
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Glen Ellen, California |
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| Area | 47.5 acres (192,000 m2) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000240 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 29, 1962 |
Jack London State Historic Park, also known as Jack London Home and Ranch, is a special California State Historic Park. It is located near Glen Ellen, California, on the eastern side of Sonoma Mountain. This park holds the remains of a large house that burned down just before the famous writer Jack London and his family were going to move in.
The park also includes a smaller cottage where they lived, another house built later, and the graves of Jack London and his wife. This property is recognized as both a California Historical Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. The ruins of the stone house, called the Wolf House, are still a major sight within the park.
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The Story of Beauty Ranch
Jack London State Historic Park was once a winery. In 1905, the famous writer Jack London bought the land when it was no longer being used. He dreamed of becoming a rancher and called his new property "Beauty Ranch."
Jack London's Dream Home
London worked hard on his ranch. He made the small cottage much bigger, adding a study where he wrote many of his books. Between 1909 and 1911, he bought even more land to expand his ranch.
In 1910, London started building his dream home, a huge mansion called the Wolf House. Jack and his wife, Charmian, spent a lot of money on this house. It was planned to be very large, with custom furniture and even a reflection pool filled with fish.
The Wolf House Fire
On August 22, 1913, while the Londons were away, their new mansion caught fire. By the time they arrived, the building was completely destroyed. London was heartbroken that his dream home, which he never got to live in, was gone. This fire also put him in debt. He worked very hard to earn money for his ranch and lifestyle.
Jack London died on November 22, 1916. The exact cause of his death is still debated. He wanted to be cremated and have his ashes buried on his property. He asked to be buried near some pioneer children, under a rock from the Wolf House.
After Jack London's Time
After Jack London died, his wife Charmian inherited the ranch. She built a house called the House of Happy Walls. It was a smaller version of the Wolf House. Charmian lived there until she passed away in 1955.
In 1959, the land and buildings were given to the state of California. The property became a California Historical Landmark in 1960 and a National Historic Landmark in 1962. Today, over 800 acres of London's Beauty Ranch are preserved for everyone to enjoy. The park is managed by the California State Parks system, with help from a group called Jack London Park Partners.
What to See at the Park
Jack London State Historic Park has several important places to visit.
The Winery Cottage
The Winery Cottage was the main home for Jack London and his family while they lived on the ranch. Many of their guests also stayed here. London bought and expanded the cottage in 1911. He added a west wing that became his study, where he wrote many of his famous stories. Jack London passed away in this cottage on November 22, 1916.
The House of Happy Walls
Charmian London built The House of Happy Walls in 1919 to honor Jack. It is a smaller, more formal version of the Wolf House. Much of the furniture inside was originally meant for the Wolf House. Charmian lived here until her death in 1955. She wanted the house to become a museum about Jack London and herself. Today, this building serves as the park's visitor center and a museum.
The Wolf House Ruins
The Wolf House was meant to be the Londons' main home, but it was never finished. Construction started in 1910. The design used only natural materials found in the area. It was almost complete in 1913 when it burned down. The ruins of this large stone house still stand today. The fire caused a lot of damage, and Jack London died before he could rebuild it.
Jack and Charmian London's Graves
Jack and Charmian London are buried on the property, not far from the Wolf House. Jack's ashes were placed here on November 26, 1916, on a small hill overlooking the Valley of the Moon. He chose this spot to be buried next to some pioneer children, under a rock from the Wolf House. After Charmian died in 1955, her ashes were also buried with her husband in the same simple spot.
