Hearst Castle is an iconic California landmark. Many know the story of William Randolph Hearst and his magnificent home, architecture and art. But, many do not realize the connection to Nevada and Comstock Lode. Without the Big Bonanza, the castle may have never existed.
(This is not a full history on Hearst Castle, but a brief relationship with Hearst and Nevada. Hearst Ranch and California Parks has extensive information on William Hearst and Hearst Castle.)
Ghost towning and wine tasting-what could be better?
A desert rat needs her beach time but still finds Nevada history. I have visited Hearst Castle several times over thirty years but didn’t realize the connection to Nevada’s history. That was until last summer when I stumbled upon the Hearst Winery.
I was relaxing at San Simeon Beach with my mom and daughter and ran out of food. We tried to get lunch at the historic Sebastion Grocery Store, built in 1852. Finding it under remodeling, I drove around and saw a sign for Hearst Winery. To have a table by the ocean, you must be wine-tasting, so what is a girl to do? When in Rome-it is Vino time!
The winery has a selection of charcuterie and snacks but also a food truck with amazing entrees like delicious seared ahi tuna tacos. My little one ate so much between the tacos and finishing Grandma’s triple burger that she only wanted a nap. My mom and I enjoyed a cooling rose by the pier and warehouse built in 1878.
It was my mom who remembered the connection of Hearst to Nevada.
Do you know how the famous Hearst Castle is related to the Comstock Lode and Nevada history?
George Hearst Family
George Hearst, father to William Randolph Hearst, grew up in Missouri and became interested in business, politics, and mining. After hearing of riches in the gold country, George set out for California. He likely followed the Carson River Route through Carson Valley into California. George first tried mining at Sutter’s Mill, later moving to Grass Valley. He supplemented mining with a retail store, ranching and farming.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
As the gold played out in 1859, “blue stuff” was discovered in Nevada and started the Big Bonanza. Hearst bought an interest in Ophir mine, now part of the Comstock Lode near Virginia City. The first year Hearst and his partners delivered 38 tons of high-grade silver ore to San Fransisco on muleback. The ore was valued at over $3 million today, earning George Hearst his fortune.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
George returned to Missouri to care for his ailing mother. The 42-year-old George met 18-year-old Pheobe Apperson and the two were married on June 15, 1862. According to a guide at Hearst Castle, Pheobe’s parents were concerned with her marrying a miner, knowing it was dangerous work. The couple had a pre-nuptial agreement where Hearst would give Pheobe partial ownership in his claims. The couple moved to San Fransisco and had their only child, William Randolph, on April 29, 1863.
(Photo credit: True West Magazine)
The Comstock Lode
(Photo credit: Legends of America)
While living in Virginia City, George built an office for the Gould and Curry Mining Company. He and his family lived upstairs.
(Photo credit: Minedat)
Twelve years later, he sold the mansion to John Mackay, one of the “Silver Kings.” Today, it is known as the Mackay Mansion and is open for tours.
George purchased large sections of land for ranching and prospecting throughout his life. In 1865, he purchased the Piedra Blanca Rancho in San Simeon and later added Santa Rosa and San Simeon ranches. The Hearst family enjoyed elaborate camping trips on the ranch.
(Photo credit: Hearst Ranch)
George acquired San Francisco Examiner for a gambling debt in what would build a legend.
(Photo credit: Daily Online)
George died in 1891 at age 70. When Phoebe Apperson Hearst inherited her husband’s wealth, she donated a large sum to libraries and universities.
William Randolph Hearst
When Pheobe died in 1918, William inherited the $10 million estate, approximately $200 million in 2023. He had already inherited the San Francisco Examiner from his father in 1887. William grew his media empire to include twenty newspapers and a legendary multi-media empire.
Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Remembering the family camping trips above San Simeon, William worked with Julia Morgan to create “La Cuesta Encantada” – Spanish for The Enchanted Hill.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Between 1919 and 1947, the two worked to create his vision and fill it with art. Hearst Castle, as it is now known, now consists of the main house, known as Casa Grande, and three guest cottages. William never completed the estate.
Following William’s death the family donated La Cuesta Encantada to California State Parks in 1958.
Grand Rooms Tour
There is a large variety of tours. As it was my daughter’s first visit, we took the Grand Rooms Tour, which covers the main rooms in the house and the two pools. I have toured the guest cottages before and my mom took the evening tour, which she said was an amazing experience. Staff dress in period costumes and as you go through rooms, they recreate life in the 1930s. I want to do this tour; next, it sounds like watching Downton Abbey in person.
Casa Grande Exterior
Casa del Sol
Grounds
The assembly room
The refectory (dining room)
Billards room
The theater
The Roman pool
Guy S. says
Cambria is one of our favorite places too. We just spent a few days there. We did stops at the Castle, Piedras Blancas Light Station, and Morro Bay. I recommend the Cottage tour if you haven’t done it.
Tami says
I miss going twice a year. January was one of my favorite times to visit. Last year we did a ton of historical sites and kayaked Morro Bay. I wan to see Piedras Blancas lighthouse, that has been on my list.
I’ll look at the cottage tour. I went in on years ago but they changed the tours. I heard Christmas is amazing.
I was out camping with one of your past exploring friends, Bill, a few weeks ago. We are headed out this week again.
You have a great site!
Guy S. says
I haven’t been in January – that is tempting. I’ve been wanting to do Christmas.
Piedras Blancas is short and sweet. The BLM has done an excellent job with the place.
There are a lot less folks on the Cottage tour. We had five people on our tour, and three of them were us!
If it is the Bill I’m thinking of – he has been everywhere twice! He is the best. And a good friend.
You have a great site too! Feel free to email me if you like. Take care.
Chuck says
My wife and two daughters took the Grand Rooms tour 40 years ago, was spell bound the whole time. Then, some of the zoo animals were still roaming the grounds… all one could do was gawk at the vast opulence, and decadents.
Tami says
It seems like when I did the first tours, we saw a lot more. But maybe I’m confusing tours.
Often, we see zebras by San Simeon.
Tom Resk says
Professional photos, Tami! Thanks for including the Billiards Room, one of my favorites at San Simeon.
Tami says
Thank you. Score one for the iphone!
Bill says
Tami, thanks for the fascinating tour and history lesson.
Tami says
Thanks Bill!
Ken Stahl says
I’ve been there many times over the last 50 years, but have never been exposed to the connection with Nevada.
Thank you for your research and dedication to our State and it’s history.
Tami says
It was my mom who remembered. We toured Mackey Mansion a few months before, and Hearst’s connection stuck in her mind.
Thank you, I have loved finding Nevada’s untold stories!
Robert Easley says
Before Julia Morgan designed the Castle, she designed Hearst’s ranch house, The Hacienda, on Rancho Milpitas to the north east of San Simion. It was a working ranch within horseback distance from the Castle. Many of his famous guests would make the day long ride and stay at the ranch. In 1940 he sold the ranch to the to the War Department (as it was known then), who then establihed it as Fort Hunter Liggett. Today you can stay at the ranch house on the California National Guard base and visit Mission San Antonio de Padua or drive the exciting Nacimiento Ferguson road to Hwy 1 (when it’s finally reopend).
Tami says
I think the family and ranch still own some of those buildings.
My family is from Salinas Valley so I have visited the Fort and Mission San Antonio.
Who knows when Highway 1 will re-open.
terry says
heard of the castle but haven’t made it yet. the pics were good size and showed the rooms well, it was good to see. when you look back in the history of the area, san francisco, sacramento, and virginia city and sutro, hearst, and twain all have a connection. exellent job.
Tami says
If you go, last year I wrote up a lot of places to visit in the area.
I think anyone who made money at that time was connected.
Jeadene Solberg says
On my bucket list. I had not heard that Hearst was a part of the Comstock, but now a new rabbit hole for me to go down. Thanks Tami for all you do to bring things to the table on more research! 🙂
Tami says
Always a new rabbit hole!
Gene Wood says
Nice Job Tami, What amazed me is that William was 60 years old when he broke ground for the Castle, he owned 50 miles of coastline there also. He had his Newspaper delivered by airplane everyday at his own airport.Lots of cool stuff
Tami says
Thank you. What amazes me is the be brought entire ceilings from Europe! I think the family donated the coastline but retained the ranch. He lived at the castle until a few years before his death. His family still uses the landing strip, it looked like is was redone not too long ago.