Bakersfield City Map

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Bakersfield became a small town settlement in 1858 when some families, after traveling through the El Talon Pass decided to make it their residence. The place got its name from an early settler, Colonel Thomas Baker.

He was the one who formally laid out the town in 1869. However, the city of Bakersfield was first incorporated in 1873 and in the same year, the County seat was moved from the town of Havilah to Bakersfield. The city follows a council-manager form of government as per the citizen's charter adopted in 1915. The governing body of the city is the City Council composed of seven members, elected from each of the seven wards of the city for four years. There is also a Mayor elected by the people. Bakersfield was one of the first cities in the United States to adopt the council-manager form of government.

The city, well known for its hospitality since its establishment, is now the 13th largest city (in terms of population) in California. In spite of its technological advancements, Bakersfield has succeeded to maintain a cordial, cooperative and compassionate atmosphere, quite unlike other modern cities. Its citizens enjoy a high standard of life and show great bonding with their families. In 1990, the city received the designation of an "All-America City" by the National Civic League for its sensitivity and awareness in dealing with the requirements of its citizens.

Bakersfield is home to the Grimmway Farms and Bolthouse Farms, largest carrot-producing operations in the world. One of America's largest and oldest farming cooperatives, the California Cotton Cooperative Association (CalCot), was also founded in Bakersfield in 1927. One can easily travel to Bakersfield for a vacation to enjoy the Kern riverside or visit the California Living Museum which contains a variety of native flora and fauna. One must also try spending some time at the Buck Owens Crystal Palace Streak house dedicated to the country music star, Buck Owens, to have an experience of a lifetime.