Discovering Santa Clarita’s Dark Historical Connections

Santa Clarita, California – This morning, local residents will saddle up for a trail ride through the area’s history, uncovering its dark connections to notorious figure Charles Manson.

The ride promises to explore a century of tragedy and madness affecting the small community just north of the city. Participants are warned to stay vigilant during the journey, as they will also encounter stories about famed Western film star Roy Rogers and the biggest landowner in Santa Clarita Valley history.

Many are surprised to learn that, prior to 1914, California license plates were made privately for individuals. It wasn’t until 1947 that prisoners at Folsom Prison began producing millions of plates. Interestingly, inmates across the nation also manufacture a variety of goods, including women’s underwear and public furniture.

Historically, the Santa Clarita Valley was gifted to Antonio del Valle by the Mexican government in 1839, in place of unpaid wages. Before this, General Moreno owned the Camulos Ranch and land extending to the Pacific Ocean.

A key figure in the community’s early history is Col. Thomas Finley Mitchell, who homesteaded near Sand and Lost canyons in 1860. He expanded his property to over 1,000 acres and, along with his neighbor, constructed the Sulphur Springs School, which remains the second oldest school district in Los Angeles County.

In more recent history, Roy Rogers faced legal troubles after being ordered to pay nearly $73,000 to Dr. Orwyn H. Ellis. The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit concerning the water supply on the 342-acre ranch Rogers sold to Ellis.

On this day in 1975, Bobby Augusta Davis, implicated in the murder of CHP officers, was involved in a prison brawl where he defended Charles Manson. Davis ended up taking his own life in prison in 2009, highlighting the shadowy history of the area.

The trail ride promises to shed light on the intertwining narratives of the Santa Clarita Valley, from charming to chilling, ensuring a unique outing for all participants.