Lebec in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Peter Lebec
| | 1837 | |
Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 20, 2006
1. Peter Lebec Marker
Although little is known about Peter Lebec, it is believed that he was killed by a grizzly bear, and buried under this tree. His epitaph was originally carved into the tree.
original 1837 marker:
Peter Lebeck, killed by a X-bear, Oct 17, 1837.
Erected 1837.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 17, 1837.
Location. 34° 52.471′ N, 118° 53.667′ W. Marker is in Lebec, California, in Kern County. It can be reached from Lebec Road west of Interstate 5. Located on the grounds of Fort Tejon State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fort Tejon (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Camel Trail Terminus (about 500 feet away); The Camels of Fort Tejon (about 500 feet away); Peter Lebeck (about 500 feet away); Camel Brigade (about 500 feet away); Don Pedro Fages (approx. 3.2 miles away); Interstate Highway 5
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. The original marker, which still exists, was carved into this tree in 1837.
Regarding Peter Lebec. Early markers were sometimes created by inscribing a tree trunk with information. As decades pass, the tree heals itself, covering the inscription with fresh growth. In the Peter Lebec example, the bark covered Lebeck's final story, preserving it, to be found by future generations.
The tree bark with a reverse of the inscription is now at the Kern County Museum in Bakersfield.
The nearby town of Lebec is named after the late Peter Lebec, or Lebeck, or Lebecque, who was a French fur trapper.
Also see . . . The Mystery of Peter Lebeck and the X Bear. "Peter Lebeck, the first recorded pioneer of Kern County, was killed by a grizzly bear we think on Oct. 17, 1837, at what is now Fort Tejon. (At the time is was just the wilds of the Tehachapi Mountains.) But how do we know this, and who was this Lebeck fellow?
Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 20, 2006
2. Headstone of Peter Lebeck
In memory of Peter Lebeck, killed by a X-bear, Oct 17, 1837.
Dedicated April 15, 1936 by El Tejon Parlor 239 N.D.G.W. and Bakersfield Parlor 42 N.S.G.W.
(Note the difference in spelling - Lebec on the marker and name of town, and Lebeck on the headstone.)
Additional keywords. Lebec, Lebeck, Lebecque
Photographed by Carey Pearce, August 21, 2016
3. Panoramic View
Marker is located by the fenced oak tree on the right. Fort Tejon buildings on the left.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 20, 2006
4. Lebeck Tree - the original marker location
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 16, 2022
5. Lebec Markers and Tree
Photo Color by Merle Porter, Published by Royal Pictures, Colton Ca.
6. Vintage Postcard of the Peter Lebeck Headstone and The Lebeck Oak Tree
Description on Postcard:
This marker is in memory of Peter Lebeck who was killed here by a Grizzly Bear on Oct. 17, 1837. Fort Tejon was established here by Lt. Col. E.F. Beale on Aug. 10, 1854 and lasted for 10 years. There were two events that took place here, the first a strange procession of an Army camel train that wound onto the clearing of the fort. Another event was the arrival of the first stage coach of the Butterfield Overland Mail on its way to San Francisco. The fort has been rebuilt and the bones of Lebecque, young voyageur of the Hudson Bay Company, was reburied near the spot where he died. M.P.
This marker is in memory of Peter Lebeck who was killed here by a Grizzly Bear on Oct. 17, 1837. Fort Tejon was established here by Lt. Col. E.F. Beale on Aug. 10, 1854 and lasted for 10 years. There were two events that took place here, the first a strange procession of an Army camel train that wound onto the clearing of the fort. Another event was the arrival of the first stage coach of the Butterfield Overland Mail on its way to San Francisco. The fort has been rebuilt and the bones of Lebecque, young voyageur of the Hudson Bay Company, was reburied near the spot where he died. M.P.
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 14, 2010
7. Original 1837 Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 14, 2010
8. Original 1837 Marker
It has been moved to the Kern County Museum.
Photographed by Thomas Chris English, June 18, 2010
9. Original Marker
In 1889, lettering on the inside of the bark of the Lebeck Oak was discovered by a lady of the Foxtail Rangers. After the bark was stripped from the tree the entire inscription was found. The tree bark with the inscription is now at the Kern County Museum.
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 16, 2022
10. Original Marker
Peter Lebec, killed by a X-bear, Oct 17, 1837. (X-bear is short for Grizzly Bear).
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 10,021 times since then and 160 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 5, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on June 17, 2018, by James King of San Miguel, California. 4. submitted on September 5, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on February 17, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6. submitted on September 5, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7, 8. submitted on May 22, 2015, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 9. submitted on August 16, 2024. 10. submitted on February 17, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
