The History of Connolly Ranch

Five Generations Protecting the Land and Herd

Connolly Ranch was established in about 1870 by Patrick and Margaret Connolly, Irish immigrants who staked a homestead in the Corral Hollow Canyon. For 150 years and through 5 generations, our family has worked to build and maintain the ranch based on the principles of preservation, conservation, sustainability, and responsible animal husbandry. Throughout our long history, we have worked to be good stewards of the land and the herd. 

Today, Connolly Ranch continues to be family owned and operated. The ranch, among the oldest continuously family operated ranches in the state, is run by Mark Connolly, his wife Celeste, and their daughters Katie and Bridget.

About The Ranch
Sepia photo of Patrick and Margaret Connolly at Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, CA in 1915.
Sepia photo of Patrick and Margaret Connolly at Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, CA in 1915.
Sepia photo of Patrick and Margaret Connolly at Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, CA in 1915.
Black and white photo of a toddler Robert Connolly (3d Generation) sitting on the ranch hugging lamb with cattle dog snuggling up behind him.
Black and white photo of a toddler Robert Connolly (3d Generation) sitting on the ranch hugging lamb with cattle dog snuggling up behind him.
Black and white photo of a toddler Robert Connolly (3d Generation) sitting on the ranch hugging lamb with cattle dog snuggling up behind him.
Black and white 1920s photo of a grown Joseph Connolly (2d Generation) sitting on horse on the ranch, smoking a cigarette.
Black and white 1920s photo of a grown Joseph Connolly (2d Generation) sitting on horse on the ranch, smoking a cigarette.
Black and white 1920s photo of a grown Joseph Connolly (2d Generation) sitting on horse on the ranch, smoking a cigarette.
Black and white 1950s photo of Robert Connolly (left) with another man, in front of a WW2 surplus weapons carrier (Dodge Power Wagon) on the ranch
Black and white 1950s photo of Robert Connolly (left) with another man, in front of a WW2 surplus weapons carrier (Dodge Power Wagon) on the ranch
Black and white 1950s photo of Robert Connolly (left) with another man, in front of a WW2 surplus weapons carrier (Dodge Power Wagon) on the ranch
Sepia historic photograph of young Robert Connolly (3d generation) on horse on the ranch with older girl circa 1930.
Sepia historic photograph of young Robert Connolly (3d generation) on horse on the ranch with older girl circa 1930.
Sepia historic photograph of young Robert Connolly (3d generation) on horse on the ranch with older girl circa 1930.
Black and white historic photo of sheep in a large pen on the ranch.
Black and white historic photo of sheep in a large pen on the ranch.
Black and white historic photo of sheep in a large pen on the ranch.
Black and white 1950s historic photo of sheepherder’s cabin and vehicle on the ranch.
Black and white 1950s historic photo of sheepherder’s cabin and vehicle on the ranch.
Black and white 1950s historic photo of sheepherder’s cabin and vehicle on the ranch.
Sepia 1930s photograph of sheepherder’s cabin and vehicle with Joseph and Robert Connolly.
Sepia 1930s photograph of sheepherder’s cabin and vehicle with Joseph and Robert Connolly.
Sepia 1930s photograph of sheepherder’s cabin and vehicle with Joseph and Robert Connolly.
Sepia historic photo of baby Robert Connolly (3d generation) on a horse circa 1922.
Sepia historic photo of baby Robert Connolly (3d generation) on a horse circa 1922.
Sepia historic photo of baby Robert Connolly (3d generation) on a horse circa 1922.