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

"Old Town"

By Syd Whittle, March 15, 2006

1. "Old Town" Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The oldest settlement in Tehachapi Valley, known as 'Old Town,' was established here during the 1860s. It was long an important station on the road between Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley. The community began to decline when residents gradually removed to nearby Greenwich, later renamed Tehachapi, after completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1876.

Erected 1958 by The California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Kern County Historical Society, El Tejon Parlor No.239, Native Daughters of the Golden West, and Kern County Museum, July 27, 1958. (Marker Number 643.)

Marker series. This marker is included in the California Historical Landmark, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West marker series.

Location. 35° 8.589′ N, 118° 29.686′ W. Marker is in Tehachapi, California, in Kern County. Marker is at the intersection of Old Town Road and Woodford Tehachapi Road, on the right when traveling north on Old Town Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tehachapi CA 93561, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured

By Denise Boose, January 16, 2012

2. "Old Town" Marker

as the crow flies. Nüwa - Kawaiisu People (approx. 0.4 miles away); Duty~Honor~Country (approx. 2.6 miles away); Tehachapi Loop Mural (approx. 2.6 miles away); Original site of the First Catholic Church in 1887 (approx. 2.6 miles away); Gallinger House (approx. 2.7 miles away); Odd Fellows Hall (approx. 2.7 miles away); Red Front Blacksmith Shop Mural (approx. 2.7 miles away); Early High School (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tehachapi.

Regarding "Old Town". This site has been designated a California Registered Historical Landmark (No.643)

Categories. • Landmarks • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers •

By Denise Boose, January 16, 2012

3. "Old Town" Marker

By Syd Whittle, March 15, 2006

4. "Old Town" Marker

"Old Town" School 1910 image. Click for full size.

By Denise Boose, March 15, 2014

5. "Old Town" School 1910

Courtesy of Kelcy's Restaurant

More. Search the internet for "Old Town".

Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2019. This page originally submitted on September 28, 2008, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California. This page has been viewed 1,708 times since then and 11 times this year. Last updated on September 22, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on September 28, 2008, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California. 2, 3. submitted on January 18, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 4. submitted on September 28, 2008, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California. 5. submitted on March 16, 2014, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.