Reward, Kern County, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Reward
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Small oil field near Reward, Calif.
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 Reward
Location in California
Reward
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Kern County |
| Elevation | 1,276 ft (389 m) |
Reward is a small, undeveloped community in Kern County, California. It is not an official town or city, but rather a place where people live without a local government.
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Where is Reward Located?
Reward is found in the western part of Kern County, California. It is about 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) west of a place called McKittrick. Reward sits at an elevation of 1,276 feet (389 meters) above sea level. This area is part of the southern Temblor Range mountains. Reward is also located right in the middle of the McKittrick Oil Field.
A Look at Reward's History
Reward has an interesting past, especially because of its connection to water and oil.
An Old Water Stop
Long ago, in the 1800s, Reward was known as the Aguaje de Santa Maria. This means "Waterhole of Saint Mary." It was an important water stop along an old road called El Camino Viejo. This road was used for travel and trade in early California.
The Start of Oil Drilling
The first wooden oil derrick in Kern County was built near Reward in 1878. A derrick is a tall structure used for drilling deep into the ground. People were drilling for "flux oil" here. This oil was mixed with asphalt that was being dug up nearby in Asphalto. The asphalt was then made ready for use in McKittrick.
How Reward Got Its Name
The community of Reward officially started in 1907. It got its name because of the exciting discovery of oil in the area. Finding oil was like a "reward" for the people working there. A post office was open in Reward from 1909 until 1937.
Reward Today
Even today, the area around Reward is still important for oil. As of 2019, a small oil field is being developed there. You can often see active drill rigs working in the area.
