Bakersfield, Texas facts for kids
Bakersfield is a small, unincorporated community located in Pecos County, Texas, in the United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. In 2000, about 30 people were estimated to live there.
Contents
Where is Bakersfield?
Bakersfield is found at these coordinates: 30°53′29″N 102°17′52″W / 30.89139°N 102.29778°W. One of the easiest ways to spot Bakersfield is by its Exxon gas station. This station is right on Farm to Market Road 11 and helps travelers on Interstate 10. The community is almost exactly halfway between two big Texas cities, El Paso and San Antonio. It's about 275 miles from each city.
The History of Bakersfield
How Bakersfield Started
Bakersfield began in 1929. This was right after oil was discovered in a nearby area called the Taylor-Link field. The community was named after J.T. Baker. He was a person who wanted to help build up the town. A post office also opened in Bakersfield in the same year.
Boom and Decline
At first, Bakersfield grew very quickly! By 1930, it was estimated that over 1,000 people lived there. However, this fast growth didn't last long. During the 1930s, oil production slowed down, and oil prices dropped. Because of this, many buildings were sold for their wood or moved to other places. By 1945, the number of people living in Bakersfield had fallen to about 50. There were only two businesses left. The population continued to drop to around 30 people, and it stayed that way for the rest of the 20th century.
Education in Bakersfield
Students living in Bakersfield attend public schools provided by the Iraan-Sheffield Independent School District.
