Bakersfield

Kern County was officially established on August 12, 1869, from portions of Los Angeles and Tulare counties. The county was named after the Kern River, which was named by Lieutenant John C. Fremont in honor of Edward M. Kern, cartographer for his 1845 expedition up the river. The city of Bakersfield is the county seat and has since been the economic and political center of the county, experiencing growth due to agriculture and oil discoveries.

The first major oil discovery in Kern County occurred in the late 19th century, which played a significant role in Bakersfield’s development. The discovery of the Kern River Oil Field in 1899 was a major boost to the local economy and transformed Bakersfield into a major center for oil production in California. This event catalyzed further exploration and investment in the region’s oil resources.

On July 21, 1952, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck Kern County at 4:52 a.m., causing widespread damage, particularly in the city of Bakersfield. The earthquake resulted in the deaths of 12 people and caused severe damage to buildings and infrastructure in the area. It is one of the largest earthquakes in California's recorded history and led to significant changes in building codes.

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) was founded in 1965 and officially opened for classes on October 1, 1970. As a significant educational institution in the San Joaquin Valley, CSUB provides higher education opportunities to a diverse student body and has become a vital part of the community in Bakersfield, contributing to the educational, cultural, and economic life of the region.

The Kern County Museum in Bakersfield opened its doors to the public on May 11, 1983. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Kern County, featuring exhibits on the area's native peoples, pioneers, agriculture, and oil industries. It plays an important role in educating the public on the rich history of the region and is a valuable cultural resource in Bakersfield.

On September 16, 1988, the third Farm Aid concert was held in Bakersfield, California. Farm Aid is an annual benefit concert to raise money for family farmers in the United States, founded by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young. The event in Bakersfield featured performances by top artists and drew attention to the agricultural challenges faced by communities in the San Joaquin Valley and beyond.

The Rabobank Arena, originally known as the Centennial Garden, opened on October 14, 1995. Located in downtown Bakersfield, this multipurpose arena has become a central venue for major events, including concerts, sports, and family entertainment. It serves as an important hub for cultural and recreational activities in the Bakersfield area, attracting visitors and performers from around the region.

The Bakersfield Condors, a professional ice hockey team based in Bakersfield, California, was established on July 1, 2003. The team plays in the American Hockey League (AHL) and has become a major part of Bakersfield's sports culture, drawing fans to its games and contributing to the local economy. The Condors play their home games at the Rabobank Arena.

On November 6, 2015, Bakersfield celebrated the dedication of Centennial Plaza and the Centennial Wall in the downtown area. The project was completed in anticipation of the city's bicentennial, serving as a monument to the city’s growth and heritage, featuring the names and contributions of residents and businesses that have been integral to Bakersfield's development over the past 150 years.

The Kern River Parkway Trail project was completed on December 31, 2020, providing Bakersfield residents with a scenic 30-mile continuous trail along the Kern River. This project was part of a larger initiative to promote outdoor recreation, environmental preservation, and community wellness. The trail offers opportunities for walking, biking, and enjoying nature, enhancing the quality of life in the Bakersfield region.