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How it came about
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Sketch of the early history of Bakersfield and how it came into existence
Manuscripts
An early history of Bakersfield, California beginning with the reclamation or swamp lands, moving his family from Visalia to what would be known as Bakersfield. The account speaks of moving into the best "shack" in the area and availability of wild game in abundance such as antelope, dear, elk, quail, doves, geese and ducks. Colonel Baker had brought along a steel mill to grind grain for livestock, but proved to be a life-saver to grind corn for human use as wheat because scarce and expensive. Also documented are the Indians who helped with heavy labor and farming. Travelers passing through on their way to Los Angeles, Sacramento or San Francisco stopped at Colonel Baker's alfalfa field, the first in Kern County and the only place for miles around that they could get feed for their stock and food for themselves. In 1866, Colonel Baker surveyed the town and it was subsequently named for him as it was already known as Colonel Baker's field. At this time, Kern County was created out of portions of Tulare and Los Angeles counties. In 1872 the county seat was moved from Havilah to Bakersfield and a post office was establish and other improvements including a school house, courthouse, and the Southern Pacific rail. The account concludes with stories of camping at Fort Tejon and tales of a few of the early settlers.
mssHM 16699