Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Rio de San Felipe
California Historical Landmark
One mile north of here on May 1, 1776, Francisco Garces of the Franciscan Order, crossed Kern River in his search for a shorter route from Sonora, Mexico to Monterey, California. He was the first known explorer to describe this river, which he named Rio de San Felipe.
Erected 1938 by Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West, Kern County Historical Society and Kern County Chamber of Commerce. (Marker Number 278.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Exploration • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1725.
Location. 35° 24.971′ N, 118° 49.994′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. Marker is on Kern Canyon Road (State Highway 178), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bakersfield CA 93306, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Kern County Veterans (approx. 4½ miles away); Discovery Well (approx. 6.9 miles away); Ethel's Old Corral (approx. 7 miles away); Gordons Ferry (approx. 7.6 miles away); Don José Jesús (J. J.) Lopez (approx. 9.8 miles away); Eternal Flame (approx. 9.8 miles away); Home of Elisha Stevens (approx. 9.8 miles away); Pablo Galtes - Union Cemetery (approx. 9.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.
Regarding Rio de San Felipe. This site was designated California Historical Landmark No. 278 on October 21, 1937.
Also see . . .
1. Francisco Garcés. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 29, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Kern at 150: The county's first residents. The Bakersfield Californian website entry:
the tribes of the Yokuts, Shoshonean and Chumash Indians (Submitted on January 29, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,902 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.