Landmark #382 | Kern County | Visited: January 26, 2013 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
What is it? | A statue of Colonel Baker! |
What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: In 1863 Colonel Baker, friend to all travelers, came here to found “Bakers Field.” His motto was, “Time will justify a man who means to do right.” This civic center is his dream come true.
OTHER TIDBITS: After serving in the Iowa state militia, Colonel Baker moved west to California during the 1850s. First, he founded the city of Visalia in what would become Tulare County. Then, he headed south to drain the swamp along the Kern River and plant an alfalfa field to attract settlers who needed to feed their livestock! This field later gave its name to the city of Bakersfield! |
How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: City Hall SW corner of Truxtun and Chester Aves Bakersfield, CA 93301 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~112mi (181km) — 1.9hrs |
When should I go? | Whenever the mood strikes you! |