Kneebone Ranch Named Nevada County’s Newest Landmark

The Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is delighted to announce that on June 3, 2025, the Board of Supervisors designated the Kneebone Ranch and Cemetery as Nevada County’s newest Landmark, NEV 25-06.

The site is located in the Spenceville Wildlife Area and is owned by the State of California’s Fish and Wildlife Department. This landmark will commemorate the Kneebone Family, County pioneers. Joseph Kneebone Sr. came to California from Cornwall, England, in 1867 and acquired a 1,595-acre ranch near the historic town of Spenceville. He started a successful teaming business. Together with his sons Andrew and Joseph, they drove 20 mule team wagons from the 1860s to the 1890s from Wheatland to Virginia City, following the old Henness Pass Road. Their work contributed significantly to the development of the Northern Mines and the growth of commerce and agriculture.

Five of the original Kneebone family members are buried on the hill overlooking the Kneebone Ranch: Joseph Kneebone Sr., wife Mary Martin Kneebone, Joseph Kneebone Jr., Richard Kneebone, and Mary Kneebone. During World War II, the United States acquired the Kneebone Ranch and much of the area around Spenceville for a military training area, which became Beale Air Force Base. The military poured concrete over the cemetery. The Kneebone family descendants hope to clean up the area and erect appropriate plaques.

On behalf of the Kneebone family descendants, the applicant, Karen Hill, flew here from her home in Atlanta to thank the Board for awarding the landmark designation. The 3 1/2-year effort to obtain this designation was spearheaded by the persistence and dedication of Commissioner Chuck Scimeca. Finally, the Landmarks Commission wishes to thank Mark Carroll, manager of the Spenceville Wildlife Area, for his ongoing support.

This landmark will be featured in the Commission’s Interactive map and in the next edition of its book Exploring Nevada County, a guide to all the County’s historical landmarks. The book is available in electronic format for any smartphone or tablet from Apple or Amazon. Go to You Bet Press to find clickable links.

The purpose of the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is to promote the general welfare of Nevada County and its citizens through official recognition, recording, marking, preserving and promoting the historical resources of Nevada County. For more information, call 530-264-0115.