Welcome to Fire Station No. 1, the longest operating fire station in the City of Bakersfield. This fire station has housed some of the finest firefighters and continues to carry on a legacy of brave firefighting since 1868. In the 1800s, buildings were primarily constructed of wood, so we can only imagine how crucial it was to have trained, knowledgeable, and brave firefighters to ensure the safety of the residents of the city. Let's learn more about the history of the Bakersfield Fire Department!

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This site was patented by Colonel Thomas Baker in 1867. Although numerous individuals had previously owned the property, it was not until the erection of the Bank of Bakersfield building in 1903 that the site would become an epicenter of banking commerce along Chester Avenue. Let's explore more of the history of this historic structure and one of the great pioneers who shaped our lovely city!

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Colonel Thomas Baker was once of the original pioneers of Bakersfield and its namesake. As the plaque lists, he was not only the founding father of Bakersfield, he was a soldier, civil engineer, and some would even say, local politician. Colonel Baker's ingenuity, integrity, and determination are the foundations that continue to enrich and grow Bakersfield to this day. Let's learn more about his legacy on this stop on the trail!

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This site was home to one of the most majestic hotels west of the Rocky Mountains, the El Tejon Hotel. It would later became the epicenter for the financial giant we know today as Bank of America. Let's take a few moments to learn more about the marvelous hotel that once occupied this site.

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The First Baptist Church was completed under the supervision of local architect Charles H. Biggar (1882 - 1946) in 1932. The building, designed in the Northern Italian Romanesque architectural style, is described in the National Register of Historic Places as "the finest remaining example of its architectural type, not only in Metropolitan Bakersfield and Kern County, but the entire southern San Joaquin Valley."

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First Presbyterian Church of Bakersfield, located downtown, has been serving the community for over 125 years. It offers a blend of Presbyterian and Evangelical tradition, making it an ideal place for those of the Presbyterian faith. The church is known for its strong community support and passionate commitment to spreading love throughout the world.

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George Haberfelde (1871 - 1962), a civic and business leader in the community, commissioned the construction of this five-story office and retail building in the Sullivanesque architectural style. When completed in 1927, the Haberfelde was one of the tallest buildings in the southern San Joaquin Valley.

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Constructed in 1917 by Henry Jastro, this building is listed on both The National Register of Historic Buildings and The Register of Historic Places by the Bakersfield City Council. It originally housed the executive offices of Standard Oil Company of California. In 1990 it suffered a major fire and was completely refurbished by Macsoft, Inc.

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Welcome to the Amy Holdroyd House! This beautiful home built in the 1930's continues to stand as a testament to the colonial influences within the state of California. Let's find out a little more about the history of this residence and its namesake, Ms. Holdroyd.

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The Jastro House was originally built and owned by Henry Jastro (1848 – 1925), the head of the Kern County Land Company. The Jastro House is the only surviving example of Gothic architecture in Central Bakersfield. The house has not only been a residence, but at one time a rooming house and a Sunday school for the First Baptist Church. In more recent years, it was purchased by a local accounting firm that fully refurbished the structure to its former glory. The Jastro House was placed on the Bakersfield Register of Historic Places in 2005.

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Behold one of the finest examples of the classic California Bungalow architectural style! Built in 1903 by Frank G. Munzer, an influential early Bakersfield pioneer and entrepreneur, this home has been beautifully preserved and continues to stand as a piece of Bakersfield history.

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S.H. Kress & Co. was the trading name of a national chain of "five and dime" retail department stores operating from 1896 to 1981. Opening in 1931, this three-story reinforced steel and masonry building was designed by New York City-based architect Edward F. Sibbert (1899-1982), who was the architect for all Kress department stores. The oranges and abstract blossoms above the windows and on the trim are reference to Kern Country's citrus industry. The building is among the finest examples of the Art Deco architectural style in Bakersfield. The Kress department store closed in 1974 and reopened as office space in 1984.

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The Padre Hotel is an eight-story Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style building constructed on the former estate of early pioneer, Judge Benjamin Brundage (1834 – 1913). It has stood the test of time, gracing Bakersfield's skyline for over 95 years. From the glitz and flair of the roaring 1920s to the Great Depression, world wars, Y2K, and more recently, a global pandemic, The Padre Hotel continues to thrive in Downtown Bakersfield.

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Welcome to the Sill Building! Named after the Bakersfield pioneering Sill family, who constructed this building in 1939. The structure is a feast for the eyes for those in the know of its architectural form and design. Speaking for the rest of us, we just think it's a really cool building with an awesome history behind the family of its namesake. They are now into their 4th generations of family members the operating businesses within the Central Valley! Stick around to learn more and don't forget to complete your check-in quiz!

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This site is quite unique, and today we're going to show you why! If you look closely, there are 2 historical marker plaques located here. The first plaque was erected by the Kern County Historical Society in 1965, to recognize the site of the Livermore and Chester Store, which was the first business establishment in Bakersfield. The second plaque was erected in 2015 to commemorate the current structure built in 1938, and occupied since that year by the Vest Drug Store and Market.

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The Merle Haggard Federal Post Office Building was opened in 1924 making Bakersfield the twenty-first city in California to receive a post office. This building has seen its fair share of excitement from Federal Prohibition agents, bootleggers, a legislative bill, and maybe even ghosts! Let's get the details now!

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Did you know that the building standing before you sits on the site of what was once the first free library in Kern County? The original Beale Memorial Library was presented in honor of General Edward Fitzgerald Beale by his widow, Mary Beale and son, Truxtun Beale.

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The Hay Building was initially constructed in 1894 for the Dinkelspiel brothers, Emile (1852-1906) and Louis (1854-1906). The Dinkelspiel Brothers store operated as a "Store of Fashionable Merchandise." Over the years, it has been home to many businesses serving the downtown area. As the oldest building in downtown, it has survived earthquakes and fires, among other perils. Today, the remodeled building houses the 1612 City Lofts which opened in 2013. It is a unique mixed-use blend of businesses and residences, accommodating art galleries, retail, and residential lofts.

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This was the site of the original Kern County Courthouse in Bakersfield (1874). In 1913 it was purchased by the city for use as a city hall and was occupied until the earthquakes of 1952. The present city hall was dedicated in 1954.

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In 1863 Col. Thomas Baker settled on the site of the present City of Bakersfield. This became known as Baker's Field where travelers through the area camped with their stock for protection from marauding outlaw bands. Thus the city derived its name from this field which lay between 14th and 17th Streets and was bounded on the West by K Street and on the East by P Street.

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The Barlow House is a classic example of the early Craftsman homes that were popular throughout California from 1905 to the 1930s. In fact, the architectural style was so popular among Californians that it became known alternatively as the "California Bungalow" style. The historic name of this structure was fashioned after prominent Bakersfield pioneer, Charles Barlow, who commissioned the home for his family in 1905.

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You have reached the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater! Nestled in the heart of downtown, this majestic local gem continues to operate as a premier film and live entertainment venue. Come join us in learning more about its glamorous and sometimes spooky past!

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This building was the original site of The Californian, sometimes called The Daily Californian, in Bakersfield. The newspaper was the descendant of the first newspaper in Kern County, The Havilah Weekly Courier, which was first published in the town of Havilah, CA in 1866. Once the seat of the county was moved from Havilah to Bakersfield in 1874, the newspaper followed. It is also where Alfred Harrell began publishing the newspaper as a small operation before expanding to another location on the historic trail.

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Welcome to Woolworth's! Originally opened in 1950, this beautiful building was has recently received a long overdue facelift to return it to its former glory! Reopened in October 2025, it made it's mark in history as the last operating original Woolworth’s lunch counter in the U.S. At the grand age of 75 years old, this building is serving up historic charm, good food, and chill vibes!

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The Hayden Building is a two-story structure that was built in 1904. Throughout its history, the Hayden Building has housed numerous businesses and organizations including a furniture store, a dance school, a fraternal organization, a hotel, a supply company, a radio station, and a theater. A historical marker was placed at the site in 2015 by the Kern County Historical Society.

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