 |
| Landmark #643 | Kern County | Visited: January 21, 2013 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | A plaque in old Tehachapi! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: The oldest settlement in Tehachapi Valley, known as “Old Town,” was established here during the 1860s. Long an important station on the road between Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley, the community began to decline when residents gradually moved to nearby Greenwich, later renamed Tehachapi, after completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1876.
OTHER TIDBITS: John and Amanda Brite settled near here in 1854 and started a lumber business. As the news of gold in the Tehachapi Mountains spread, a whole town rose up in their back yard, originally called Williamsburg, later Greenwich, then Tehachapi in 1876, which either meant “sweet water and acorns” or “oak flat with springs!” The town grew rapidly under the supervision of the Western Development Company, who was partially owned by the railroad being built through this valley. A critical connecting point between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Tehachapi was also an important stopover before the famed Tehachapi Loop. This kept the city thriving long after the popularity of train travel was usurped by cars and planes! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
|
| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: NE corner of Old Town Rd and Woodford-Tehachapi Rd 1.3 mi N of State Hwy 202 2.5 mi W of Tehachapi, CA 93561 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~118mi (190km) — 2hrs |
| When should I go? | Whenever the mood strikes you! |