At least six historic Los Angeles landmarks destroyed by recent wildfires

The Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles reduced many landmarks to ashes.

According to the travel media outlet Travel Noir, the recent wildfires destroyed at least six landmarks of historical and cultural significance in the Los Angeles area.

In the Pacific Palisades area, the “Will Rogers Ranch House” within the Will Rogers State Historic Park was completely consumed by fire. This 31-room mansion was once home to the famous actor Will Rogers. After his death, his widow, Betty Blake Rogers, donated the estate and surrounding land to the state government in 1944, and it was later designated as a historic site.

The “Topanga Ranch Motel,” a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, was also lost in the blaze. Built in 1929 in a bungalow style, the motel served as the backdrop for numerous productions, including the 1992 film Leather Jackets. 

In Malibu, the renowned seafood restaurant “Reel Inn Malibu” and the Palisades Charter High School, widely known as a filming location, were not spared either. Fortunately, while the high school narrowly avoided destruction, reports indicate that some buildings sustained fire damage.

Two landmarks have also been confirmed destroyed by the Eaton Fire. One is the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, built in 1923. This site was a spiritual home for Jewish immigrants and was famously visited by Albert Einstein. The Torah scrolls, which are traditionally read in the synagogue, were reportedly removed from the building before it was engulfed in flames.

The second is the Bunny Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to rabbits, which was reduced to ashes by the Eaton Fire. Housing over 45,000 rabbit-related items, the museum first opened its doors in 1998. It was a beloved destination for rabbit enthusiasts worldwide and held several Guinness World Records, including “The Most Bunny Items in the World.”

BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]