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

Gordons Ferry

California Historic Landmark

Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2009

1. Gordons Ferry Marker

Inscription. Gordon’s Ferry was an overhead cable type of ferry operated during the 1850’s by Major Gordon. An adobe station house was located on the south bank of Kern River, just a few yards to the west of this marker. It was also a station on the Butterfield Overland mail stage route from 1858 to 1860.

Erected 1937 by Bakersfield Parlor No.42, NSGW, El Tejon Parlor No.239, NDGW and Kern County Chamber of Commerce. (Marker Number 137.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Butterfield Overland Mail, the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 35° 25.488′ N, 118° 58.084′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. It is on China Grade Loop, on the right when traveling south. Marker is approx. 1000 feet south of Round Mountain Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bakersfield CA 93308, 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ethel's Old Corral (approx. ¾ mile away); Discovery Well (approx. 0.8 miles away); Jedediah Strong Smith

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(approx. 2.2 miles away); Home of Elisha Stevens (approx. 2.9 miles away); Oildale Waits Drilling Company (approx. 2.9 miles away); Oildale Mural (approx. 3.3 miles away); Jewett Family (approx. 3.6 miles away); Beale Memorial Clock Tower (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2009

2. Gordons Ferry Marker

Oil pumping equipment and pipes can be seen in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 4,055 times since then and 130 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 5, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.