Mentryville is one of the most remarkable historic sites in Southern California and a flagship destination in the Santa Clarita Valley's rich heritage. Nestled at the base of Pico Canyon's chaparral-covered slopes, this 1880s oil town tells the story of how California became an energy giant — and it all started right here. The town is named after Charles Alexander Mentry, the tenacious driller who supervised the operation that would eventually become Chevron. In 1876, the California Star Oil Company struck oil in Pico Canyon, and Pico No. 4 went on to become the longest continually operating oil well in the world, finally closing in 1990 after over a century of production. At its peak, Mentryville was home to more than 100 families. Workers and their families lived in company housing surrounding the oil operations. Today, several historic structures survive, including Mentry's grand thirteen-room mansion (known as the Pico Cottage or Big House), a one-room schoolhouse, and a period barn. The town and Pico No. 4 are registered as California State Historical Landmarks. Managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), Mentryville sits within the Santa Clarita Woodlands Park. Beyond the historic buildings, the site serves as a gateway to hiking, biking, and equestrian trails into the backcountry of Pico Canyon and the Santa Susana Mountains. The combination of California history and outdoor recreation makes Mentryville unlike any other destination in the valley. The town is accessible via Pico Canyon Road from Newhall. A $5 parking fee applies at the lot. From the parking area, a short walk leads to the historic buildings, and trails extend deeper into the canyon for those wanting a longer adventure.