Category Development

Pioneertown was founded in 1946 by a group of Western actors who had been several plans to develop the land surrounding Pioneertown and make it a resort.

Golden Empire: ‘Shades of the Old West’

Pioneertown, Calif., a 19th century • designed town once used as a movie set for numerous Western movies in the 1940’s and 50’s, is fast becoming the “capital” of one of the most exciting land developments in the history of California the California Golden Empire. This 30-square-mile planned community is located in the high desert area approximately 120 miles northeast of the Los Angeles Civic Center and near the city of Yucca Valley. Benton Lefton, a former Cleveland developer, is head of the California Golden Empire.

Planners OK Airport, Peril Seen by Aviation Director

Pioneertown yesterday won county approval for its airport – but, warns the county aviation director, novice fliers better not try flying in or out of there.

Lots in Golden Empire First Unit Half-Sold

Preliminary sales reports received by Benton Lefton, head of the California Golden Empire, indicated that 50% of the available lots developed to date in the first phase of this 30-square-mile planned community have already been sold on a reservation basis – less than 90 days after of land development was announced.

Action Set for Improvement
Of Old Pioneer Pass Road

Big Bear Lake -- decisive action in the form of an appeal through congressional representatives and the office of the secretary of the interior, Still working a Dell was taken last night by the Pioneer Loop Association in the matter of improvement of the old Pioneer Pass Road.

Golden Empire (Pioneertown) Reports Big
Response in First 90 Days of Land Sale

Preliminary sales reports received by Benton Leflon, head of the California Golden Empire, Indicate that 50 percent of the available lots developed to date in the first phase of this 30-square-mile planned community has already been sold on a reservation basis—less than 90 days after the development was announced!

Hearings Start on Vast Desert-Mountain Areas

The County Planning Commission has begun hearings on proposed general plans for a vast 19,000-square-mile desert area and 600,000 acres in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Pioneertown Water Dispute Awaits Public Utilities Board Decision

Pioneertown Water Dispute Awaits Public Utilities Board Decision A dispute between Pioneertown-Rimrock residents and Golden Empire over water company rights, has been laid in the lap of the state Public Utilities Commission. This action was brought by the filing of…

Pioneertown Water Firm Hearing Set

February 22, 1967
The Desert Sun
Development

A public hearing on the complaints of Pioneertown and Rim Rock property owners about the ownership and operation of the water system has been set by the California Public Utilities Commission

Drive for Pioneer Loop
Due to Get Started Soon

Pioneer Pass Road, from the Twentynine Palms Highway through Yucca Valley and Pioneertown to Big Bear has long been the dreams of both the low and high desert residents.

Cow town

Pioneertown was built in 1947 as a set for western movies, according to Hester Guinan, who has lived in the town for 22 years and has been its Postmaster for 17 years. Among the many cowboy sagas shot there were "Jeopardy" with Barbara Stanwyck, most of the Gene Autry and Cisco Kid films and recently "Tell them Willie Boy is here," starring Robert Redford.