OTHER TIDBITS: In July 1864, Kentucky native, Asbury Harpending, named this wooded area Havilah after a sandy, gold-bearing land described in the Bible’s Book of Genesis! Mr. Harpending had been involved in a Confederate plot to seize California during the Civil War, and when that plot failed, he fled into the foothills and founded this town!

Starting in 1866, Havilah was the center of nearly 20 mines with 9 stamp mills, 13 saloons, and a smattering of gambling and dance halls! After Bakersfield took over as the county seat, though, the town declined, and a fire destroyed most of the structures in 1920. Today, several structures, like the courthouse and schoolhouse, have been built along the stretch of road where residents used to race their horses for fun!

• Become a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West!
• Donate to the Native Daughters of the Golden West!
• Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!

• In front of Bodfish post office
  NE corner of Miller St and Kern River Canyon Rd
  Bodfish, CA 93205

Private Plaque:

• S side of 1866 county courthouse
  Caliente-Bodfish Rd (P.M. 279)
  Havilah, CA 93518

ANNOTATIONS:
The plaque in the actual town of Havilah is located at:

6814 Caliente Bodfish Rd
Caliente, CA 93518

From Los Angeles: ~142mi (229km) — 2.4hrs
From Sacramento: ~323mi (520km) — 5.4hrs
From San Diego: ~262mi (422km) — 4.4hrs
From San Francisco: ~329mi (530km) — 5.5hrs