Kernville (former town), California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kernville
Whiskey Flat, Rogersville, Williamsburg
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Former settlement
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1941 map of Kernville area
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 Kernville
Location in California
Kernville
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County | Kern County |
| Elevation | 785 m (2,575 ft) |
Kernville was an old town in California that doesn't exist anymore. It was located in the beautiful Kern River Valley in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This historic town was once called Whiskey Flat, Rogersville, and Williamsburg.
Kernville was about 2,575 feet (785 meters) above sea level. It was near where the town of Wofford Heights is today. In 1954, the entire town was covered by water when the Lake Isabella reservoir was built.
Sometimes, when the lake water is very low, you can still see parts of the old town. The original site of Kernville is recognized as California Historical Landmark #132.
Contents
The Story of Kernville
How the Town Began
Kernville started because of a gold rush in 1858. Gold was found nearby at the Big Blue Mine. This discovery brought many people to the area. Soon, a town grew up along the Kern River.
The town had a few different names. At first, it was called Rogersville. This name came from the person who first found gold there. Then it was called Williamsburg for a short time.
In 1863, the town was renamed Whiskey Flat. This new name came after a business opened in the town. In 1864, the town was renamed Kernville. The post office from nearby Keysville moved to Kernville in 1868. It stayed there until 1951. After that, a new town called Kernville was built on higher ground.
Kernville and Movies
Many movies were filmed in old Kernville. Most of these were Western movies. Hollywood producers liked the town's look for their films.
The Town Under Water
In 1954, the Kern River was dammed to create the Lake Isabella reservoir. This meant the old town of Kernville would be covered by water. Before the lake filled up, most of the buildings were taken apart. They were moved to higher ground.
Some building foundations can still be seen when the lake's water level is low. In 2023, the lake completely refilled. This happened because of a lot of melted snow from the Sierra Nevada mountains. The ghost town was once again fully submerged.
Images for kids
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"Activity at Old Gold Camp of Kernville," June 1919
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Foundations of the town grammar school
