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

Jewett Family

Kern County Pioneers

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 26, 2009

1. Jewett Family – Kern County Pioneers Marker

Inscription. This area was originally a portion of the Jewett Brothers’ Ranches. In 1859 Solomon and Philo Jewett walked 2000 miles to present day Kern County. They built the first store in Bakersfield in 1865 and the same year raised the first commercial cotton in Kern. In 1874 they organized the Kern Valley Bank in Bakersfield, first in the county. They were also leaders in raising Blooded Merino Sheep, in producing the first oil well in Kern and in construction of Sunset Railroad to Westside oil fields. Louisa Jewett Crites, a sister, was the first woman teacher in the county.

Erected 1970 by Kern County Historical Society, Kern County Museum. (Marker Number 14.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 35° 23.66′ N, 119° 1.13′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. Marker is on Chester Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at the Kern County Museum at the base of the Beale Memorial Clock Tower. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3801 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

. Bungalow (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kern County Chamber of Commerce (about 400 feet away); Beale Memorial Clock Tower (about 500 feet away); Standard School (about 500 feet away); Howell House (about 600 feet away); Adobe House (about 600 feet away); Kern County Fair Exhibit Building (about 600 feet away); Lόpez-Hill House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 26, 2009

2. Jewett Family – Kern County Pioneers Marker

The Beale Memorial Clock Tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 26, 2009

3. The Beale Memorial Clock Tower

Marker can be seen mounted on the granite base at the front of the tower.

Solomon Jewett image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Kern Valley Museum

4. Solomon Jewett

Solomon Jewett was a cofounder of the Kern Valley Bank.
This photo is on display on the Kern Valley Bank marker.
Click for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,983 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on December 28, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.