Grapevine in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Sebastian Indian Reservation

Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 17, 2016

1. Sebastian Indian Reservation Marker

Inscription. The Sebastian or Tejon Indian Reservation (headquarters 10 miles east of here) was established in 1853 by Gen. Edward Fitzgerald Beale as one of several California Reservations. The number of Indians quartered here varied from 500 to 2000. General Beale acquired title to this area under Mexican Land Grant of 1843. In 1864 the U.S. Government transferred the Indians to other reservations.

Erected 1937 by Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West; Kern County Historical Society; Kern County Chamber of Commerce; and Kern County Museum. (Marker Number 133.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Settlements & Settlers. 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 October 1764.

Location. 34° 56.479′ N, 118° 55.952′ W. Marker is in Grapevine, California, in Kern County. It is on Grapevine Road West near Interstate 5, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is

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at or near this postal address: 9032 Grapevine Road West, Lebec CA 93243, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley,

specifically in the Central Valley,

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Rose Station (a few steps from this marker); Peter Lebec (approx. 5.1 miles away); Fort Tejon (approx. 5.1 miles away); Camel Trail Terminus (approx. 5.1 miles away); The Camels of Fort Tejon (approx. 5.1 miles away); Peter Lebeck (approx. 5.1 miles away); Camel Brigade (approx. 5.2 miles away); Don Pedro Fages (approx. 8.3 miles away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale (was approx. 5.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Regarding Sebastian Indian Reservation. This

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 20, 2009

2. Sebastian Indian Reservation Marker

This marker is on the right, Rose Station marker is on the left. Interstate 5 can me seen in the background.

site was designated California Historical Landmark No. 133 on January 31, 1934.

Bedrock Mortars image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, February 23, 2019

3. Bedrock Mortars

Located 1¼ miles south of the marker.

Sebastian Indian Reservation - The Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Carlton E. Watkins, Photographer

4. Sebastian Indian Reservation - The Church

Photo taken between 1888 and 1900. Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress

Sebastian Indian Reservation - Home and Orchard image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Carlton E. Watkins, Photographer

5. Sebastian Indian Reservation - Home and Orchard

Photo Taken between 1888 and 1900. Historical American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress

Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,940 times since then and 84 times this year. Last updated on October 10, 2017, by James King of San Miguel, California. Photos: 1. submitted on February 16, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 2. submitted on June 22, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on February 18, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4, 5. submitted on June 30, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.