Taft in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
History of Taft
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
1. History of Taft Marker
As Taft’s first 100 years is being celebrated in 2010, let’s look back to see from where we came. Taft got its start when the railroad laid tracks to Taft and beyond. Siding Number Two was where it all started along the tracks in the vicinity of 2nd and Supply Row. Railroad cars were being unloaded with supplies for the rapidly expanding oil production for miles along what was called the Midway Sunset Oil Field. Buildings began springing up, followed by houses, businesses, schools, and everything needed for a progressive city to start itself. Electricity and a water supply were brought in. The voters approved incorporation and Taft became a city on November 7, 1910. The railroad began subdividing, installing streets, sidewalks, gutters, and curbs. The City of Taft was taking shape. The downtown area was flooded with workers at all hours of the day, working 12-hours shifts. It is said Taft resembled a mining town that never slept. Those were the good times and the good times have never stopped.Erected 2010 by Pete Gianopulos.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources
this page online
Location. 35° 8.371′ N, 119° 27.659′ W. Marker is in Taft, California, in Kern County. Marker can be reached from Supply Row near East 6th Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located at the Oilworkers Memorial which is located at the corner of Supply Row and East 6th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 570 Supply Row, Taft CA 93268, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Midway Cemetery - 25 Hill (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Fort (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Fort, Taft (approx. 0.8 miles away); West Kern Oil Museum (approx. 0.8 miles away); Lakeview Gusher No.1 (approx. 4.7 miles away); Midway Field - Well No. 2-6 (approx. 5.7 miles away); Maricopa's Jail (approx. 6.3 miles away); Tulamniu Indian Site (approx. 7.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Taft.
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
2. History of Taft Marker
May 22, 2011
3. Taft Oil Worker Monument - wide view
The marker is visible here in the foreground, mounted to a low concrete base.
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
4. The Oilworker Marker
When the news spread that oil had been discovered in the San Joaquin Valley of California, young men responded from all parts of our nation. The came from the farms of Missouri and Kansas, the ranches of Texas, the hills of West Virginia, and the mines of Pennsylvania. They were strong and rugged men, unskilled in their new jobs, but from these men came new ideas and innovation. They toiled in dangerous and dirty conditions with temperatures sometimes reaching over 120 degrees in the summer. There were no hard hats or other safety equipment that we use today. From these oil fields men took the ideas and technology around the world. Victor Killingsworth
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
5. Oilworker Memorial
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
6. 1910 Cable Tool Rig Marker
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
7. The Oilworker Marker
Benjamin Victor, Scuptor
Celecbrating the City of Taft's 100 Year Anniversary and 100 Year of oil production starting with the cable tool rig.
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
8. Oilworker Memorial
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
9. Oilworker Memorial
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
10. Close-up of female statue.
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
11. Close-up of oil worker.
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
12. Closeup of oilworker.
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
13. Closeup of child statue with his Mom.
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
14. Oilworker Memorial
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
15. Oilworker Memorial
May 22, 2011
16. Closeup of oilworker
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
17. Oilworker Memorial
Photographed By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
18. Contributors
Just one of many walls of many contributors.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 1,335 times since then and 172 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 13, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 3. submitted on April 16, 2012. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on April 13, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on April 27, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 14, 15. submitted on April 13, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 16. submitted on April 16, 2012. 17, 18. submitted on April 13, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
