A Visit to the Reagan Ranch!

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to take a trip to Santa Barbara, California to President Ronald Reagan's beloved Ranch, "Rancho del Cielo." Meaning "Ranch of the Heavens," on just one trip, one can see why President Reagan loved to get away from the hustle and bustle of D.C. to a place where he was be able to ride his horses and work the land.

Young America's Foundation saved the Ranch in 1998 to preserve its rich history and the legacy of the man who lived there. Way (and I mean way) up high in the mountains over looking the Santa Ynez Valley, this 688-acre ranch is breath-takingly beautiful. YAF held their annual West Coast Leadership Conference this weekend where students from around the country gather and learn tips on how to bring conservative values to their campuses. We heard from fantastic speakers such as President Reagan's son, Michael Reagan, YAF Vice President Kate Obenshain, Author Peter Schweizer, Congressman Sean Duffy (R-WI), Foreign Policy Expert Bruce Hershenson, and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.

The whole trip culminated into a tour of Reagan's Ranch. Edmund Morris, Reagan’s biographer, said when you go to the ranch, you can "find his soul." When you step off the bus and see the horses grazing and the fence made out of old telephone poles that he built himself, you can see the true character of our 40th President.

I got to go inside the house and see where he sat down with his team to write speeches and his chair next to the fireplace where he read his books. I saw his numerous saddles and riding boots. I saw some of his and Nancy's clothing still left in the closet.

President Reagan's undeniable sense of humor was not lacking from his home. There were stuffed jack rabbits mounted on the wall with antelope antlers glued to their heads that he called "Jack-elopes." When people asked what they were, he would tell them an outrageous story of their origins. There was framed copy of the front page of the New York Times from February 6th, 1911; Reagan's birthday. He used to joke that the Times was so liberal that they couldn't even print the birth of a future President on the front page. His secret service thought it would be funny to put the Presidential Seal on his lawnmower, and they called it Lawn Mower One.

A true insight into the character of President Reagan isn't what was in his house, but what wasn't. There were no giant photographs with foreign dignitaries or high tech gizmos. Nothing that showed off his Hollywood connections during his time in the movies. You might not be able to tell at all that this was the home of the President of the United States. The only two things in the house that indicates he was the President, is a plaque that said "Ronald Reagan: Statesman" and a beautiful Presidential Seal over the fireplace. That's it. (Unless you count Lawn Mower One.)


As we go further into the 2012 elections, many people are looking for another Ronald Reagan. I hate to burst some bubbles, but there has never been anyone like him, and never will be anyone like him. President Reagan was a true gift to the American people during a time when we needed him the most. What we can hope for now, is someone who can take the conservative ideals he held so steadfastly, and put them into practice during a time when they are greatly needed again. I encourage everyone to go to the Ranch if they have the chance. It will truly change your life.