Wilder Ranch is noted to have started in 1871 and became one of the premier dairy ranching operations on the North Coast. Owned by the Baldwin and Wilder families is was operated as a business until the family gave the ranch to the State as a historic site for enjoyment of the public. The Gordon Family has been living on the Ranch over the eight years preceding this article and they have been a link with the State Park system and nearby Natural Bridges as well as continuing oversight of the ranch.