Camillus Nelson, a native of Kentucky and a veteran of the Mexican War, came to California in 1849 and settled permanently in Yolo County in the late 1850s.

In about 1872, he acquired clear title to some three thousand acres of Swamp and Overflow land along the south bank of Cache Creek, land which had formerly been part of Rancho Rio de Jesus Maria, a Mexican grant of six leagues. In the geographic center of these holdings, Nelson built an imposing two-story brick residence in the Italianate style and established headquarters for his extensive cattle and grain operations.

Nelson served on the Board of Directors of the Bank of Woodland and made many civic contributions.

As of August 2013, Nelson Ranch was doing business as Sugarland Horse Park.