Llano del Rio
Socialist Utopia in the Desert
Llano del Rio was the most successful socialist colony in American history. Founded by Job Harriman after his failed run for Los Angeles mayor, the community grew to 1,100 residents. They built hotels, a printing press, and planned a grand hotel. Water disputes and internal conflicts ended the experiment. The ruins of their ambitious hotel remain.
The Socialist Dream
Job Harriman founded Llano del Rio on socialist principles - collective ownership, shared labor, and equality. The colony had its own newspaper, Montessori school, and industries including a rabbitry and cannery.
Collapse
Disputes over water rights with neighboring ranchers crippled the colony. Internal factionalism also grew. In 1918, most colonists moved to Louisiana to start over. The California site was abandoned.
Timeline
- 1914 - Founded Job Harriman established the colony
- 1916 - Peak Population reached 1,100
- 1918 - Abandoned Colony relocated to Louisiana
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 1 hour
Quick Facts
- Largest socialist colony in U.S. history
- The colonists published their own newspaper
- Concrete ruins of planned hotel still stand
Location
Address: Llano, California
Coordinates: 34.4917, -117.8861