Bakersfield Sign facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bakersfield Sign |
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The Bakersfield Sign, facing west on Sillect Avenue.
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| Alternative names | Bakersfield Arch |
| General information | |
| Type | Sign |
| Architectural style | Arch |
| Location | Bakersfield, California |
| Coordinates | 35°23′10″N 119°02′31″W / 35.386°N 119.042°W |
| Completed | 1949 |
| Renovated | 1999 |
| Owner | City of Bakersfield |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Steel support |
The Bakersfield Sign is a famous landmark in Bakersfield, California. People also call it the Bakersfield Neon Arch. It's a big yellow arch with blue letters that spell out "Bakersfield."
You can find this sign over Sillect Avenue. This street meets Buck Owens Boulevard. The sign is northwest of Downtown Bakersfield. If you're driving on California State Route 99 (the Golden State Freeway), you can easily spot it. It's also right next to the Buck Owens Crystal Palace.
The sign stands on two tall towers. These towers look a bit like the Beale Memorial Clock Tower. The sign uses special lights that shine down onto the arch. This makes the blue letters look dark against a bright green background.
Why Was the Bakersfield Sign Built?
The Bakersfield Sign was first put up in 1949. It was originally located over Union Avenue. This road was part of US 99, a very important highway. It connected Northern and Southern California through the San Joaquin Valley.
The sign had two main jobs:
- It helped the Bakersfield Inn hotel. The hotel wanted to grow across the street. The sign was built as a footbridge to connect the two parts of the hotel.
- Many towns along US 99 had big arched signs. These signs welcomed drivers to the city. The Bakersfield Sign became Bakersfield's special welcome arch.
The Sign's Big Move and Makeover
By the late 1990s, the sign was getting old and worn out. The Bakersfield Inn had closed, and no one was taking care of the sign. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) worried it might fall. So, they decided to take down the old sign.
But people loved the sign! So, a new one was built. This happened in 1999, exactly 50 years after the first sign was put up. A famous country singer named Buck Owens helped a lot with this project.
On the Fourth of July in 1999, the new arch was put up. It was placed next to the Buck Owens Crystal Palace. Many people came to watch this exciting event. Buck Owens spent a lot of money on the project. But many companies and workers helped for free.
The old sign was in bad shape. Only the blue porcelain letters could be saved. These original letters were used on the new sign. Now, the Bakersfield Sign is bright and visible again. It still welcomes people traveling on the important Golden State Highway.
