Rancho del Cielo facts for kids
Rancho del Cielo was a large ranch in Santa Barbara, California, USA. It covered 688 acres of land. This special place was once owned by Ronald Reagan, who was the 40th President of the United States. He loved spending time there, calling it his "Western White House."
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Rancho del Cielo: A Presidential Retreat
Rancho del Cielo, which means "Ranch of the Sky" in Spanish, was a peaceful escape for President Reagan. It was located high up in the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering amazing views. For Reagan, the ranch was more than just a home; it was a place where he could relax, think, and connect with nature.
Who Was Ronald Reagan?
Ronald Reagan served as the President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Before becoming president, he was an actor and then the Governor of California. He was known for his strong belief in freedom and his friendly personality. Many people saw him as a "cowboy" president, and his ranch helped build that image.
Life at the Ranch
President Reagan truly enjoyed the simple life at Rancho del Cielo. He often spent his time riding horses, clearing brush, and chopping wood. He even drove his old Jeep around the property. These activities helped him relax from the busy life of being president. The ranch was a place where he could be himself, away from the formal duties of Washington, D.C.
The Ranch's Location
The ranch is nestled in the Santa Ynez Mountains, which are part of the Transverse Ranges in California. This area is known for its beautiful scenery and rugged terrain. The elevation of the ranch meant it often had cooler temperatures and clearer skies, making it a perfect retreat.
Important Visitors at the Ranch
Even though it was a private retreat, Rancho del Cielo hosted some very important guests. These visits showed how much President Reagan valued the ranch.
Meeting Queen Elizabeth II
In 1983, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visited President Reagan at Rancho del Cielo. It was a unique event to have the Queen visit a working ranch. They rode horses together and enjoyed the beautiful California landscape.
Welcoming Mikhail Gorbachev
In 1992, after he had left office, President Reagan welcomed Mikhail Gorbachev to the ranch. Gorbachev was the leader of the Soviet Union when Reagan was president. They had many important meetings during the Cold War. Their meeting at the ranch, both wearing western hats, showed their friendly relationship even after their time in power.
Images for kids
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Ronald and Nancy Reagan with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Rancho del Cielo, 1983.
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Ronald Reagan riding his Arabian horse "El Alamein" at Rancho del Cielo, 1986.
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Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev visiting Ronald Reagan, both in western wear, at Rancho del Cielo, 1992.
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An aerial view of Rancho del Cielo with "Lake Lucky" on the bottom right side, 2009.
