Timeline of Bakersfield, California facts for kids

Welcome to a timeline of Bakersfield, a city in California, USA! This article shares important moments and events that have shaped Bakersfield's history, from its early days to the present.

Bakersfield's Early Days

• 1873 – Bakersfield officially became a city. This means it was recognized as its own local government.
• 1888 – The Bakersfield and Kern Electric Railway started running. This made it easier for people to travel around the area.
• 1889
  • July 7: A huge fire, known as the Great Bakersfield Fire of 1889, caused a lot of damage to the city.
  • Oil was discovered nearby. This discovery would become very important for Bakersfield's future.
  • The first train station opened, connecting Bakersfield to other places.

The 1900s: A Century of Growth

• 1904 – The Beale Memorial Clock Tower was built. This famous clock tower became a landmark in the city.
• 1907 – The Bakersfield Californian newspaper began publishing. It has been sharing local news ever since.
• 1910 – The nearby town of Kern became part of Bakersfield, making the city larger.
• 1921 – Central Park was created, giving residents a beautiful green space to enjoy.
• 1928 – The Kern County Chamber of Commerce Building and the Padre Hotel were built. These buildings added to the city's growing downtown area.
• 1929 – Hart Park opened. This large park became a popular spot for families and outdoor activities.
• 1930 – The Fox Theater opened its doors. It was a grand place for movies and live shows.
• 1945 – The Kern County Museum opened. It helps people learn about the history and culture of Kern County.
• 1952 –
  • July 21: A strong earthquake, known as the 1952 Kern County earthquake, shook the area. It caused damage and sadly, some people lost their lives.
  • August 22: Another strong aftershock hit Bakersfield, causing more damage.
• 1954 – The current Bakersfield City Hall building was constructed. This is where the city's government operates.
• 1955 – Memorial Stadium opened. It's a large venue used for sports and other events.
• 1961 – Bakersfield formed a "sister city" relationship with Wakayama, Japan. This means the two cities share cultural exchanges and friendship.
• 1962 – The Bakersfield News Bulletin newspaper started publishing.
• 1963 – The Crest Drive-In cinema opened, where people could watch movies from their cars.
• 1964 – A Goodwill thrift shop opened, offering affordable goods and job training.
• 1965 – The Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) was established. This organization helps people in need in the community.
• 1976 – The Bakersfield Department of Water Resources was created to manage the city's water supply.
• 1977
  • December: A major dust storm, called the Great Bakersfield Dust Storm of 1977, swept through the area.
  • The Mesa Marin Raceway opened, a popular track for car racing.
• 1980 – The California Living Museum (CALM) zoo was founded. It's home to animals native to California.
• 1983 – A County Food Bank was established to help provide food for those who need it.
• 1990
  • The Hindu Temple of Kern County was founded, providing a place of worship for the Hindu community.
  • Bakersfield's population grew to 174,820 people.
• 1996 – The Buck Owens Crystal Palace opened. It's a famous music hall and restaurant, celebrating country music.
• 2000
  • The new Amtrak train station opened.
  • Bakersfield's population continued to grow, reaching 247,057 people.

The 2000s and Beyond

• 2001 – Harvey Hall became the mayor of Bakersfield. The mayor is the leader of the city government.
• 2006 – River Walk Park opened, offering more green space and walking paths for residents.
• 2007
  • The Kern Veterans Memorial was unveiled. This memorial honors military veterans from Kern County.
  • Kevin McCarthy became the U.S. representative for California's 22nd congressional district. A U.S. Representative is a person elected to speak for their area in the national government.
• 2009
  • The Mill Creek linear park opened, providing a long, narrow park space along the creek.
  • The Bakersfield 16 Cinema opened, offering many movie screens for entertainment.
• 2013 – The Kern County Raceway Park opened, providing a new venue for racing events.