Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bena Depot
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
1. Bena Depot Marker
Situated at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, Kern County was part of a natural corridor for a railroad running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The Southern Pacific Railroad began laying track southward from San Francisco through the San Joaquin Valley in the 1870s. The Tehachapi Mountains were the last obstacle to finishing the railroad. The steep climb from the valley floor up the mountains was overcome with an engineering marvel known as the Tehachapi Loop, which conquered the ascent by looping the train around and crossing over itself. By 1876, the railroad to Los Angeles was completed.
The Bena Depot was located a few miles west of the Tehachapi Loop. This freight depot also operated as a telegraph station helping to route trains over the Tehachapi Mountains.
The Southern Pacific and Santa Fe railroads donated the depot to the museum in 1961.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 35° 23.534′ N, 119° 1.278′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. Marker can be reached from Chester Avenue. Marker and Depot are located at the southern end of Pioneer Village at the Kern County Museum.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Haggard House (a few steps from this marker); Southern Pacific Engine #2914 (a few steps from this marker); Railroad Flagman’s Building (a few steps from this marker); Gazebo (a few steps from this marker); Southern Pacific Railroad Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Santa Fe Caboose #1323 (within shouting distance of this marker); Joss House (within shouting distance of this marker); Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.
Also see . . . The Kern Junction Photo Gallery. Details of the original location of the Bena Depot with directions and maps. (Submitted on December 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
2. Bena Depot and Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
3. Bena Depot
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
4. Bena Depot
5. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
The Tehachapi Loop, circa 1930
Lower Photo:
Telegraph operator Frank Nejedly at the Woodford Depot in 1938.
The Tehachapi Loop, circa 1930
Lower Photo:
Telegraph operator Frank Nejedly at the Woodford Depot in 1938.
6. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
The Bena Depot as it appeared in 1912.
Lower Photo:
Moving the Bena Depot to the museum in 1961.
The Bena Depot as it appeared in 1912.
Lower Photo:
Moving the Bena Depot to the museum in 1961.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
7. Ticket Booth at the Bena Depot
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
8. Office at the Bena Depot
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
9. Southern Pacific Railroad National Map
Photographed By Unknown
10. Tehachapi Loop
This railroad “loop” mentioned in marker text, is an award winning engineering marvel of railroad history.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,617 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on December 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 10. submitted on September 28, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
