History of Neverland Ranch in Timeline

Neverland Ranch, now known as Sycamore Valley Ranch, was Michael Jackson's home and private amusement park from 1988 to 2005. Situated in Santa Barbara County, California, near Los Olivos and Santa Ynez, it served as both a residence and an elaborate entertainment complex for the pop star.

1973: Steam locomotive built

In 1973, a Crown 4-4-0 (2B) steam locomotive named Katherine after Michael Jackson's mother was built for the Neverland Valley Railroad.

1981: Purchase by William Bone

In 1981, property developer William Bone purchased Zaca Laderas Ranch and renamed it Sycamore Valley Ranch.

1981: Bone purchases Zaca Laderas Ranch

In 1981, property developer William Bone purchased the Zaca Laderas Ranch and renamed it the Sycamore Valley Ranch.

1982: Main house completed

In 1982, the 13,000-square-foot main house on Sycamore Valley Ranch, designed by architect Robert Altevers, was completed, featuring formal gardens, a stone bridge, and a four-acre lake with a waterfall.

1983: McCartney and Jackson film Say Say Say

In 1983, Paul McCartney stayed at the ranch during the filming of the "Say Say Say" music video, and Michael Jackson visited.

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March 1988: Initial purchase by trust

In March 1988, a trust with Jackson's lawyer and accountant as trustees initially purchased the estate, but Jackson later rescinded the arrangement.

April 1988: Jackson becomes ultimate owner

In April 1988, Michael Jackson became the ultimate owner of the Neverland Ranch property after rescinding the trust arrangement.

1988: Sale to Michael Jackson

In 1988, Michael Jackson purchased Sycamore Valley Ranch and renamed it Neverland Ranch.

1988: Michael Jackson becomes owner

In 1988, Michael Jackson purchased Sycamore Valley Ranch, previously known as Zaca Laderas Ranch or Neverland Valley Ranch, and renamed it Neverland Ranch.

1990: Ferris wheel purchase

In 1990, a 65 feet ferris wheel was custom made for Michael Jackson by the manufacturer Eli Bridge Company of Jacksonville, Illinois for $215,000.

1991: Elizabeth Taylor's Wedding

In 1991, Neverland Ranch hosted the wedding of Elizabeth Taylor and Larry Fortensky.

1993: Oprah Winfrey Interview

In 1993, Oprah Winfrey conducted a live interview with Michael Jackson at Neverland Ranch.

1995: World Children's Congress

In 1995, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley hosted a three-day World Children's Congress at Neverland Ranch for the United Nations' 50th anniversary.

2001: Custom electric train purchased

In 2001, Michael Jackson purchased a custom-made private electric train for his children, manufactured by Elektro-Mobiltechnik, and set up behind the main house at Neverland.

2002: Jackson's will

Michael Jackson's 2002 will gives his entire estate to a family trust.

November 18, 2003: Search warrant executed at Neverland Ranch

On November 18, 2003, a search warrant was executed at Neverland Ranch in connection with the People v. Jackson trial following charges of molesting a minor. Jackson was later acquitted.

2005: Jackson leaves Neverland

In 2005, Michael Jackson left Neverland Ranch after his acquittal on child sexual abuse charges and never returned.

2007: Reports of foreclosure proceedings

In 2007, reports surfaced about foreclosure proceedings against Neverland Ranch, but it was stated the loan was being refinanced and Jackson retained a majority stake.

February 25, 2008: Notice of public auction

On February 25, 2008, Michael Jackson received a notice that a public auction of Neverland Ranch would occur unless $24,525,906.61 was paid by March 19.

March 13, 2008: Private agreement reached

On March 13, 2008, Jackson's lawyer announced a private agreement with Fortress Investment to save Jackson's ownership of Neverland Ranch.

May 12, 2008: Foreclosure auction canceled

On May 12, 2008, a foreclosure auction for Neverland Ranch was canceled after Colony Capital purchased the loan, which was in default, for $22.5 million.

November 10, 2008: Title transferred to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company

On November 10, 2008, Michael Jackson transferred the title of Neverland Ranch to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company, LLC, a joint venture between Jackson and an affiliate of Colony Capital.

2008: Purchase of Sea Dragon ride

In 2008, the Sea Dragon swinging ship ride from Neverland Ranch was purchased by Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

July 2, 2009: Media appearances at Neverland Ranch

On July 2, 2009, Jermaine Jackson gave The Today Show's Matt Lauer a tour of the main house at Neverland Ranch, and was interviewed by Larry King.

2009: Amusement rides and animals removed

By 2009, the amusement rides and animals at Neverland Ranch were removed, except for the llamas, and replaced with a zen garden and a Peter Pan-themed section.

2009: Burial speculations after Jackson's death

Following Michael Jackson's death in 2009, there were press reports claiming that his family intended to bury him at Neverland Ranch, but these were later denied by his father, Joseph Jackson.

2009: Jackson's death

Michael Jackson owned Neverland Ranch until his death in 2009.

2012: La Toya's Memoir

In 2012, La Toya Jackson wrote about her experience staying at Neverland Ranch during her brother's trial in her memoir, Starting Over.

January 2013: Lady Gaga's offer to invest

In January 2013, Lady Gaga offered to help Michael Jackson's children keep Neverland Ranch by investing in the property.

2013: Failed purchase by Jo Bamford

In 2013, British businessman Jo Bamford planned to buy Neverland Ranch but the deal was never completed.

May 2015: Sale announcement of Sycamore Valley Ranch

In May 2015, it was announced that Neverland Ranch, renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch, would be put up for sale with an initial asking price of $100 million.

May 2016: Ranch Listed for Sale

In May 2016, Sycamore Valley Ranch was listed for sale by Sotheby's International Realty for $100 million, including the mansion, lake, guest houses, tennis court, movie theater, train station and railway tracks.