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| Landmark #290 | Kern County | Visited: January 26, 2013 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | A plaque tucked away in a Chevron piping station! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: Oil was discovered at 70 feet in 1899, when Tom Means persuaded Roe Elwood and Frank Wiseman, aided by Jonathan, Bert, Jed, and Ken Elwood, George Wiseman, and John Marlowe, to dig here for oil. On June 1, 1899, 400 feet to the north, Horace and Milton McWhorter drilled this region’s first commercial well.
OTHER TIDBITS: This first well, dug by hand, gave rise to the nation’s fifth largest oilfield, which spans 10,750 acres and has produced over 2.2 billion barrels of oil since its beginning! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: On Round Mountain Rd, 0. 7 mi E of China Grade Loop 7 mi NE of Bakersfield, CA 93308 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~121mi (195km) — 2.1hrs |
| When should I go? | According to a sign on the fence, you can make an appointment to see the plaque by calling (661) 392-2200 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday! |
