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

Home of Elisha Stevens

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 17, 2011

1. Home of Elisha Stevens Marker

Inscription. Near this spot stood the last home of Elisha Stevens, noted American pathfinder and scout. Born in Georgia April 5, 1804, he learned blacksmithing during his youth. Drifting west he became a trapper on the Upper Missouri for more than two decades. In 1844 he led the 50-member Murphy-Townsend wagon train safely from Council Bluffs to Sutter’s Fort. During the Mexican War he served as an ordnance mechanic under Commodore Stockton. For a time he lived in Santa Clara County, then settled here on a 38-acre tract, the first permanent settler in the Bakersfield District. He died September 9, 1887 and is buried in Union Cemetery.

Erected 1964 by California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Kern County Historical Society, El Tejon Parlor No. 239, N.D.G.W., Bakersfield Parlor No. 42, N.S.G.W. and Kern County Museum. (Marker Number 732.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers • War, Mexican-American. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 5, 1885.

Location. 35° 23.838′ N, 119° 0.354′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California

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, in Kern County. It is at the intersection of West Columbus Street and Isla Verde Street, on the right when traveling west on West Columbus Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 West Columbus Street, Bakersfield CA 93301, 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 walking distance of this marker: Jedediah Strong Smith (approx. 0.7 miles away); Jewett Family (approx. ¾ mile away); Beale Memorial Clock Tower (approx. 0.8 miles away); Kern County Chamber of Commerce (approx. 0.8 miles away); Bungalow (approx. 0.8 miles away); Howell House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Adobe House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Lόpez-Hill House (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.

Regarding Home of Elisha Stevens. Elisha Stevens last name is correctly spelled Stephens.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The Stephens – Townsend – Murphy Party of 1844 marker in near Donner Lake

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 17, 2011

2. Home of Elisha Stevens Marker

Elisha Stephens image. Click for full size.

Photographed by credit Wikipedia

3. Elisha Stephens

Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 2,278 times since then and 52 times this year. Last updated on September 1, 2023, by Ronald D. (Ron) Trigueiro of Fresno, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 7, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.