Havilah in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Stage Robbery!
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 27, 2010
1. Stage Robbery! Marker
The last stage coach robbery in Kern County occurred near here on August 26, 1896. The Kernville stage to Caliente was held-up by a lone gunman on horseback who got $1,700 in coin and gold bullion from the Wells Fargo strong box. He did not molest the passengers, however, although the local citizens searched doggedley, the loot was never recovered nor the bandit ever apprehended, as a result of the stick up, the route was discontinued, thus ending an era.
Erected 1999 by The Kutzner Family, and The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus Peter Lebec Chapter #1866.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 35° 31.085′ N, 118° 30.99′ W. Marker is in Havilah, California, in Kern County. It is on Caliente-Bodfish Road (County Route 483), on the right when traveling north. Located next to the 1866 Havilah Schoolhouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6789 Caliente - Bodfish Road, Caliente CA 93518, 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 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Havilah (a few steps from this marker); Historic Havilah
this page online
More about this marker. Most of the town was destroyed by the Borel Fire on July 26, 2024. The school house survived.
Also see . . . Historic Havilah. Horse racing along the main street was a popular sport. Holding up the stage was another method of killing time. In fact, holdups became so frequent that the express company nearly went out of business, and finally refused to carry any more bullion. (Submitted on January 21, 2012.)
Additional commentary.
1. Havilah School House Survived
The school house survived the Borel Fire thanks to the wonderful firefighters. They noticed embers burning under the steps and put them out.
Photographed by Lester J Letson, September 23, 2006
2. Stage Robbery! Marker
Schoolhouse can be seen behind the marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 27, 2010
3. Stage Robbery Marker and Havilah School House
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 27, 2010
4. 1867 Kern County Court House Museum
This is only steps away from the Havilah School and Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 27, 2010
5. Mining Pump
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 27, 2010
6. Watch for free roaming cattle.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 1,551 times since then and 57 times this year. Last updated on August 1, 2024, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. Photos: 1. submitted on January 21, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 2. submitted on February 20, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 21, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
