Riverview, Kern County, California facts for kids

Riverview was once a small community in Kern County, California. It was also known by its first name, Arp's. This place was located right across the Kern River from the city of Bakersfield, and just a little bit north of it.

A "former settlement" means it was once a place where people lived and worked, but it is no longer an active town or community today. Riverview was named Arp's to honor a person named James H. Arp, who was a real estate developer.

What Was Riverview?

Riverview was a small community that existed in the past. It was not a big city, but rather a settlement where people lived. Many small settlements like Riverview were created as California grew, especially during times when people were moving to new areas for farming, mining, or other opportunities. These places often started with just a few homes or businesses.

Why Was It Called Arp's?

The very first name for Riverview was Arp's. This name was given to honor a man named James H. Arp. He was a real estate developer, which means he was involved in buying, selling, and building on land. It was common for new towns or communities to be named after the people who helped start them or owned the land.

Where Was Riverview Located?

Riverview had a specific location near a well-known city and river. It was situated across the Kern River from Bakersfield. Imagine standing in Bakersfield and looking across the river; Riverview would have been there, just a bit to the north. The Kern River is an important river in Kern County, and many communities were built along its banks because it provided water.

Why Did Riverview Become a Former Settlement?

Many small settlements like Riverview eventually disappear. This can happen for several reasons. Sometimes, larger towns nearby grow and take over the smaller ones. Other times, the main reason people settled there, like a specific industry or a transportation route, might change or disappear. While the exact reasons for Riverview becoming a "former settlement" are not widely known, it is a common part of history for many small places in California. They might have been absorbed into a growing Bakersfield, or simply faded away as people moved to other areas.