OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Devastating wildfires continue to burn across Southern California, killing at least five and forcing hundreds of thousands out of their homes.
The Palisades fire is now the most destructive in L.A. history and has destroyed an important part of history.
The Will Rogers State Historic Park, including his historic ranch house and stables, has burned to the ground.
"I don't even know what it's going to be like when I walk back into it," said Jennifer Rogers, great-granddaughter of Will Rogers.
The historic ranch was once a place to escape the spotlight for the iconic actor and cowboy.
"It was truly one of the most beautiful places ever, it's just sprawling and it's got an amazing polo field, the last remaining polo field in Los Angeles, as a matter of fact," said Rogers.
Now the 186 acre ranch is turned to rubble.
"Unfortunately, we were not able to get everything out, but they did get quite a bit of the collection out," said Rogers.
Will Rogers was more than just a Hollywood star. For Oklahomans, this loss hits close to home, as Will Rogers is known as 'Oklahoma's Favorite Son'.
"He never forgot about his Oklahoma roots that he always identified as a Cherokee and so we always had a connection with Will Rogers, no matter where he went in the world," said Trait Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society.
For decades the historic ranch provided a glimpse into Rogers' life and was a chance to walk where he once walked and feel a connection to his story.
Now that is all gone.
"When you lose that history, it can never be recreated, that is gone forever and unfortunately this was a natural disaster that couldn't be prevented, but it is still heartbreaking because that connection, that tangible connection to Will Rogers is now gone forever.," said Thompson.
While the loss feels monumental. the history is alive at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore.
Museum staff working to honor him in a new way to continue to keep the legacy alive for generations to come.
"He's still here and he's still important to us and as long as I'm around, we're going to keep promoting him," said Rogers.
To learn more about the museum, click here.
