Kemper Campbell / Verde Ranch

History of the Kemper Campbell Ranch (formerly Verde Ranch)

The Kemper Campbell Ranch, located along the Mojave River in Victorville, California, is a historic property that traces its roots back to the late 19th century, when it was part of the larger Verde Ranch. Originally known as the Brown Ranch, the land was first claimed around 1870 by brothers James and Joseph Brown, who acquired several hundred acres near the Upper Narrows. Over the years, the ranch changed hands and was eventually reorganized in 1901 under the name "Rancho Verde" by the Rancho Verde Company.

In 1924, the northern portion of this land—approximately 1,900 acres—was acquired by Kemper B. Campbell and his wife, Litta Belle Campbell, both attorneys from Los Angeles. They preserved its rustic, adobe charm and operated the property as a working cattle ranch. In the 1930s, they began offering guest accommodations, transforming the site into a peaceful desert retreat that drew lawyers, writers, and Hollywood figures. For many years, it was known as the "North Verde."

After the death of their eldest son during World War II, the Campbells renamed the ranch the “Kemper Campbell Jr. Ranch” in his memory. The name stuck, and the site remained an active guest ranch and working cattle operation well into the latter half of the 20th century.

Today, the Kemper Campbell Ranch continues to preserve its adobe architecture, tranquil setting, and place in the history of Victorville and the High Desert region.