Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Syd Whittle
Taken: November 27, 2009
Caption: Francisco Garces Monument
Additional Description: This monument to Francisco Garces (California Registered Historical Landmark No.277) is located in the traffic circle at the intersection of Chester Avenue and 30th Street in Bakersfield. The statue is currently being protected due to road construction currently taking place. Marker at this site reads: Francisco Garces
1738 – 1781
Spanish Franciscan
Padre Garces seeking a new route between Sonora, Mexico and Monterey crossed Rio de San Felipe (Kern River May 7, 1776) at Rancheria San Miguel now Bakersfield. First recorded white man in this locality, he brought Christianity to the Indian and on Rio Colorado his brave life was crowned with martyrdom.
“Greater love hath no
man than this – That a man
lay down his life for his friends.”
Submitted: November 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Database Locator Identification Number: p87758
File Size: 2.004 Megabytes

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