Burleigh H. Murray Ranch

Burleigh H. Murray Ranch is a property belonging to the California state parks department. It is located in San Mateo County.

Purchased by the State of California in 1983, this historic ranch property is hidden in a valley south of Half Moon Bay. The area offers solitude, groves of mature eucalyptus, and a rich assortment of wildlife.

The current hiking trail consists of the old ranch road winding its way alongside Mills Creek for about one mile up to a 1930s bungalow that serves as a park residence. At this point the trail veers off the road and bends down to cross the creek allowing the visitor to look back in time while viewing the Mills Barn and surrounding out buildings.

Continuing on the road beyond the barn the valley narrows between steep, chaparral covered hills. The walking is good for an additional mile above the barn past the wooden tanks supplying water for the park residence, then the trail fades away into the dense growth of stinging nettles, poison oak and coyote brush.

History

Burleigh H. Murray, for whom the acquisition is named, was born on the ranch July 19, 1865. His father came to California from Vermont in 1852 following the discovery of gold and worked in the mines at Auburn, Placer County. In 1857 he settled at the present Murray Ranch with some sheep and cattle and began a successful dairy farm.

The Mills Barn and surrounding out buildings, are maintained in a condition of arrested decay. Mills Barn hugs the hill beside perennial Mills Creek. This historic structure dates back to the late 1800s and is a good representation of an English Lake Country Bank Barn.

Originally 200 feet in length and capable of housing 100 dairy cows the Mills Barn is the only building of this type in California. The foundation of the barn and other buildings, including an un-reinforced arched stone bridge, rely on Italian masonry techniques dating back to Roman times.