Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Rio de San Felipe
California Historical Landmark
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2009
1. Rio de San Felipe Marker
One mile north of here on May 1, 1776, Francisco Garces of the Franciscan Order, crossed Kern River in his search for a shorter route from Sonora, Mexico to Monterey, California. He was the first known explorer to describe this river, which he named Rio de San Felipe.
Erected 1938 by Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West, Kern County Historical Society and Kern County Chamber of Commerce. (Marker Number 278.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Landmarks • Religion & Religious Structures. 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 May 1725.
Location. 35° 24.971′ N, 118° 49.994′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. It is on Kern Canyon Road (State Highway 178), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bakersfield CA 93306, 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 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Kern County Veterans (approx. 4½ miles away); Discovery Well (approx. 6.9 miles away); Ethel's Old Corral (approx. 7 miles away); Gordons Ferry
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Jedediah Smith Trail (was approx. 6 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding Rio de San Felipe. This site was designated California Historical Landmark No. 278 on October 21, 1937.
Also see . . .
1. Francisco Garcιs. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 29, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Kern at 150: The county's first residents. The Bakersfield Californian website entry:
the tribes of the Yokuts, Shoshonean and Chumash Indians (Submitted on January 29, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2009
2. Rio de San Felipe Marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
3. Francisco Garces Monument
This monument to Francisco Garces (California Registered Historical Landmark No.277) is located in the traffic circle at the intersection of Chester Avenue and 30th Street in Bakersfield. The statue is currently being protected due to road construction currently taking place. Marker at this site reads:
Francisco Garces
1738 – 1781
Spanish Franciscan
Padre Garces seeking a new route between Sonora, Mexico and Monterey crossed Rio de San Felipe (Kern River May 7, 1776) at Rancheria San Miguel now Bakersfield. First recorded white man in this locality, he brought Christianity to the Indian and on Rio Colorado his brave life was crowned with martyrdom.
“Greater love hath no
man than this – That a man
lay down his life for his friends.”
1738 – 1781
Spanish Franciscan
man than this – That a man
lay down his life for his friends.”
Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,376 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
