Vail Ranch Restoration Association
(Now merged into the Temecula Valley Historical Society)
About VaRRA

"The Magnificent Seven" - photograph by Sam Hicks circa 1947

   VaRRA, an acronym for the Vail Ranch Restoration Association, had its beginning in the mid 1990’s when a small cadre of Temecula residents who were interested in preserving the lore and legends of Temecula learned that portions of the Vail Ranch site might be razed to make room for development.  As a result of their efforts over the years Vail Ranch is now a significant California historical site.

   VaRRA is dedicated to the preservation of the Historic Vail Ranch Headquarters Site in an area where Temecula originally started.  Today this 4 acre site holds the last remaining portion of the Butterfield Overland Stage Trail and Ft. Yuma Road.   This is also the route the Mormon Battalion marched in January 1847 on their way to San Diego during the Mexican-American War in California.

   VaRRA, an acronym for the Vail Ranch Restoration Association, had its beginning in the mid 1990's when a small cadre of Temecula residents who were interested in preserving the lore and legends of Temecula learned that portions of the Vail Ranch site might be razed to make room for development.

   Realizing that an important local historical site was in jeopardy, they formed an organization that is dedicated to assuring that the area's structures still standing will be preserved so that our children and our children's children might come to know and enjoy the colorful history of the Vail Ranch and the surrounding area.

   The group got moving and soon focused its efforts on lobbying for preservation of the buildings and the site.  They sought support from the community, created a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization and lobbied elected officials to assure that this wonderful inheritance would not be lost.  Their unselfish efforts to the preservation of the Ranch headquarters and a sense of history vital to the Temecula Valley have been successful!

   If you or someone you know would be interested in exploring the opportunities for docents, preservationists, office staff and other volunteer positions please contact: info@temeculavalleyhistoricalsociety.org or mail to:

                                   Temecula Valley Historical Society
                                   PO Box 157
                                   Temecula, CA 92593-0157

   Volunteers are always welcome, docent positions are available at the Little Temecula History Center.

   In addition to monetary donations we gratefully accept donations of artifacts, antiques, books, pictures, or documents that will be displayed or archived appropriately.

Vail Headquarters buildings