Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Pablo Galtes - Union Cemetery
Historical Marker #1
Photographed by Denise Boose, January 22, 2012
1. Pablo Galtes - Union Cemetery Marker
Pablo Galtes facilitated the establishment of the Catholic community of Bakersfield in the early 1870's. The first Mass celebrated in Bakersfield was said in the back of Pablo's store located on 19th Street near Chester Avenue. (Eleven family members are buried in the crypt.)
To the north are the Howell Family plots. The Howell's were highly active in the building of St. Francis Church, giving great help to Mercy Hospital. On August 7, 1952, William Howell was awarded the Papal Knighthood of St. Gregory for his outstanding service to the Catholic community.
The next stone cross marks the burial place of Rev. Patrick Lennon, Paster of St. Francis from 1897 to 1904.
Erected 2010 by St. Francis Church. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.
Location. 35° 21.735′ N, 118° 59.785′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. It can be reached from East Potomac Avenue west of South King Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 788 East Potomac Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93307, 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Last Home of Alexis Godey (was approx. 1.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Denise Boose, January 22, 2012
2. The Galtes Family Crypt
Photographed by Denise Boose, January 22, 2012
3. The Crypt Guardian
Photographed by Denise Boose, January 22, 2012
4. Rev. Patrick Lennon, Pastor of St. Francis 1897-1904.
Photographed by Denise Boose, February 16, 2012
5. Howell Family Plot
Photographed by Denise Boose, February 16, 2012
6. William A. Howell Sr. 1862-1960
Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 1,149 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on November 17, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 12, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 5, 6. submitted on February 17, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
