Marker Logo HMdb.org THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
 
 
 
 
 
 
66 entries match your criteria.  

 
 

Historical Markers and War Memorials in Tehachapi, California

 
Clickable Map of Kern County, California and Immediately Adjacent Jurisdictions image/svg+xml 2019-10-06 U.S. Census Bureau, Abe.suleiman; Lokal_Profil; HMdb.org; J.J.Prats/dc:title> https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Usa_counties_large.svg Kern County, CA (336) Inyo County, CA (133) Kings County, CA (8) Los Angeles County, CA (1861) San Bernardino County, CA (325) San Luis Obispo County, CA (103) Santa Barbara County, CA (135) Tulare County, CA (85) Ventura County, CA (175)  KernCounty(336) Kern County (336)  InyoCounty(133) Inyo County (133)  KingsCounty(8) Kings County (8)  LosAngelesCounty(1861) Los Angeles County (1861)  SanBernardinoCounty(325) San Bernardino County (325)  SanLuisObispoCounty(103) San Luis Obispo County (103)  SantaBarbaraCounty(135) Santa Barbara County (135)  TulareCounty(85) Tulare County (85)  VenturaCounty(175) Ventura County (175)
Bakersfield is the county seat for Kern County
Tehachapi is in Kern County
      Kern County (336)  
ADJACENT TO KERN COUNTY
      Inyo County (133)  
      Kings County (8)  
      Los Angeles County (1861)  
      San Bernardino County (325)  
      San Luis Obispo County (103)  
      Santa Barbara County (135)  
      Tulare County (85)  
      Ventura County (175)  
 
Touch name on this list to highlight map location.
Touch blue arrow, or on map, to go there.
1 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 643 — "Old Town"
The oldest settlement in Tehachapi Valley, known as 'Old Town,' was established here during the 1860s. It was long an important station on the road between Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley. The community began to decline when residents . . . Map (db m139964) HM
2 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 28 — 1915 Street Dance Mural
A street dance held in 1915 commemorated the first electric streetlights installed in Tehachapi. The site of the dance was the corner of Green and F Street. The building there housed the Masonic Lodge and Post Office in 1915, and the mural shows the . . . Map (db m53119) HM
3 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 16 — Arrastra at Railroad Park
The arrastra was a very primitive way of milling or crushing gold ore, using a mule walking in a circle and “drag” stones, a method brought to the New World by the Spaniards. The Tehachapi Heritage League moved the arrastra to this . . . Map (db m50254) HM
4 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 3 — August Weferling House
Located on the northeast corner of "D" and Green Streets, this house was built in 1880 by August Weferling. The redwood tree in front was planted the day he married his second wife, Luella Duty Weferling (an early Tehachapi businesswoman), in 1905.Map (db m52801) HM
5 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Avelino MartinezDied at Age 112 on August 7, 1936 — Last Known Member of the Joaquin Murrieta Horse Gangs —
To quote the authors, Frank F. Latta, Arnold R. Rojas, and Bonnie Ketterl Kane, per Rancho El Tejon’s Mayordomo (Supervisor) of almost sixty years, Don Jose Jesus Lopez (J.J.), about Avelino Martinez; “He was a little dried up gnome of a man, . . . Map (db m98873) HM
6 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 6 — B.M. Denison House & 1880's House
B.M.Denison House - Located on the northeast corner of "D" and Curry Streets, this house was constructed entirely from cedar wood in 1898 by B.M. Denison. He planted the first commercial Bartlett Pear orchard along Curry Street. 1880s . . . Map (db m52811) HM
7 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Bear Valley Historic Schoolhouse
In 1872, the fifteen families residing in what is now Bear Valley Springs joined together to build a schoolhouse in order to provide an education and source of community structure for their children. The original schoolhouse was erected near . . . Map (db m209103) HM
8 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 20 — Beekay Theatre — City of Tehachapi - Respecting Our Past – Planning Our Future —
Originally opened in 1936, the Beekay Theatre survived the historic earthquake of 1952 and endured a number of façade changes before burning in the 1990’s. The reconstruction preserves the original façade behind, which lies a fully modern theatre. . . . Map (db m52969) HM
Paid Advertisement
9 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Cement Production in Tehachapi
Tehachapi has had a long association with limestone and cement due to the naturally occurring limestone deposits in the region. As early as 1877 a kiln in Antelope Canyon was producing 400 to 500 barrels of lime. Throughout the area there is . . . Map (db m134506) HM
10 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Constable Thomas GodwinTehachapi Constable
“I’m coming to see you Tom”, said James Hayes. “Well, come a’ shooting” Godwin replied ---and he did! Tom Godwin was a farmer, stock raiser, and owner/manager of the Mountain House bar and restaurant, but he was also the Tehachapi town . . . Map (db m232409) HM
11 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Duty~Honor~Country
The Sacrifices of few ensured the freedom of many. A grateful community remembers those who served in the Armed Forces of the United States during time of war and peace, whose courage and personal sacrifices defended and preserved our freedom.Map (db m79895) WM
12 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Early Explorers in the Tehachapi Area
The first non-Indian man known to visit the local Indians in the Tehachapi area was Father Francisco Garces in 1776. He didn’t record much about them other than to record that they gave him food and were friendly people. In 1826, mountain man . . . Map (db m134566) HM
13 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 8 — Early High School
This house was built by Dr. Russell Peery in the 1890s. It was originally constructed in Cummings Valley for use as a hotel and spa. Later dismantled, it was moved to the present site. In 1928, it was used as a high school, and continued until . . . Map (db m52813) HM
14 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Early Settlements in The Tehachapi AreaOak Creek, Williamsburg, Greenwich, Tehachapi
Green Street was named for Peter D. Greene, who came to the Tehachapi Area in 1856, when he set up camp in Mormon Gulch near Tehachapi where he prospected for gold (named after a company of Mormons who had previously prospected for gold there.) He . . . Map (db m136213) HM
15 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Early Settlers
California became a state in 1850. Settlers could lay claim to land by homestead, timber, mining and pre-emption rights. John and Amanda Brite were the first permanent settlers in the Tehachapi area, arriving in 1854 from Texas, building a mission . . . Map (db m134562) HM
16 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 2 — Errea House
The Erra family occupied this dwelling for 75 years. The structure was built by a doctor in "Old Town" (or "Tehichipa") 4 miles west of Tehachapi between 1870 and 1875. It was moved to this location on log rollers about 1900. It is the only . . . Map (db m52800) HM
17 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 4 — First Methodist & Episcopal Church
The first Methodist & Episcopal Church in Tehachapi was built here in 1881. It was later torn down and the present house was built with the wood from the church.Map (db m52802) HM
Paid Advertisement
18 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — First Roads and Highway 58
In the early days of the Tehachapi Valley traveling was arduous as there were only trails and wagon tracks, a few toll roads and the stage routes. The road to Bakersfield from Tehachapi followed the current Woodford – Tehachapi Road, curving and . . . Map (db m135039) HM
19 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 24 — Former Post OfficeSite of Early Historic Buildings & Former Post Office
The current building, which was built to house the post office, replaced two older houses. It is now privately owned and houses offices of local businesses. Across the alley behind the building, there was once a small, tin building that housed . . . Map (db m71108) HM
20 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 18 — Former Richfield Service Station
The Richfield Service Station was built here in 1921 by Jack and "Doro" (Theodore) Leiva, who operated the station and adjoining cabins for travelers for over 50 years. It was named the Bartlett Richfield Station due to the many Bartlett Pear trees . . . Map (db m52895) HM
21 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 12 — Gallinger House
Built by Joe Gallinger in 1880, it was purchased in 1926 by Jim and Lucinda (Callie) Wiggins Brite. Upon Lucinda's death in 1944, the Davis family purchased the house. It was customary to drive sheep and cattle along Curry Street to the railroad . . . Map (db m52890) HM
22 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 23 — Hitching Post Theatre
This building was contructed after the 1952 earthquake to house a post office, a department store, an electric shop, a variety store and a drug store. The photo shows the two-story frame hotel (formerly the Old Summit School, which was moved to this . . . Map (db m52968) HM
23 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Importance of Water and Creation of Brite Lake
In 1947 the Tehachapi Soil Conservation District was organized to advise the farm industry. It was apparent by the early 1960s that if agriculture were to continue as economic force in the District, additional water had to be found. In the early . . . Map (db m135047) HM
24 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 5 — McFarland House & Late 1880s House Reported missing
McFarland House - Located on the northwest corner of "D" and Green Streets, this house was built in the late 1800s by the McFarland family, who operated a sawmill and box factory in Tehachapi, circa 1890. Late 1880s House - Located . . . Map (db m52810) HM
25 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Mining, Gold, Salt and Limestone
In 1859 and 1860 miners drifted into the area from the Kern River Valley. They found gold and silver in the hills and canyons of the Tehachapi Range. In 1876 the Tehachapi Mining District was formed. In 1877, J.J. Hendrickson made a small fortune . . . Map (db m134560) HM
26 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — MonolithCalifornia
1906-1914: City of Los Angeles builds and operates plant to make cement for Los Angeles Aqueduct and also constructs town named Aqueduct to house workers and families. 1910: Aqueduct train station and post office are renamed Monolith. . . . Map (db m52988) HM
Paid Advertisement
27 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Mountain Valley AirportIrv Culver, Jim Maupin, Don Mitchell, Irv Prue
The paths of four sailplane design pioneers have crossed here at Mountain Valley Airport. Irv Culver, Jim Maupin, Don Mitchell and Irv Prue all designed, built and flew homebuilt sailplanes. They advanced soaring technology, piloted their own . . . Map (db m204640) HM
28 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Nüwa - Kawaiisu People
“The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated,” as we were assured by Mark Twain, and so it is with the Nüwa/Kawaiisu people, the hunter/gatherers who inhabited the areas from the Southern Sierra Nevada, through the Tehachapi . . . Map (db m139925) HM
29 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 97 — Oak Creek PassCalifornia Historical Landmark
Father Francisco Garces used the Oak Creek Pass in 1776 to return to the Mojave after exploring the San Joaquin Valley, as did Fremont in 1844-45. Until the building of the railroad through the Tehachapi Pass in 1876, Oak Creek Pass was the only . . . Map (db m50250) HM
30 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 13 — Odd Fellows Hall
Built as the Odd Fellows Hall in the early 1930's, it was later used as a movie theatre, dance hall and labor union hall. It was once owned by St. Malachy Church and used as a church hall (1949-53). The structure survived the 1952 earthquake intact, . . . Map (db m52892) HM
31 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 11 — Original site of the First Catholic Church in 1887
The present, remodeled bank building was constructed in 1936 as the second St. Malchy Church. In the early 1980's the structure was sold to the newly formed Sierra National Bank, which was acquired by the Bank of the Sierra in May 2000.Map (db m52888) HM
32 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 7 — Peery House
This house was built by Dr. Russell Peery in 1890. He owned a drug store in Tehachapi and was noted for having developed the "gold cure" for arthritis. It later became the residence of Albert Ancker, a long time banker who was a President of the . . . Map (db m52812) HM
33 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 25 — People of the MountainsThe Nüwa Tribe
In this village scene from before contact with the white man, women weave baskets and grind foodstuffs in bedrock mortars. Children play games, as the men make tools and weave rabbit pelt blankets. The border shows more recent members and elders of . . . Map (db m140486) HM
34 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Ranching, Farming and Orchards
Tehachapi’s early settlers grazed cattle on the abundant grass of the open range until the great droughts of the 1860s & 70s reduced the herds. Herds increased again in the 1880s and large ranches began such as the Hill Ranch, the Tehachapi Cattle . . . Map (db m134558) HM
35 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Real Estate Development Since The 1960s
Golden Hills, Bear Valley Springs, Stallion Springs, Alpine Forest Park, Mountain Meadows, Sand Canyon. Golden Hills – In early 1960s, the purchase of four ranches in the Old Town area by the Murchison Brothers of Dallas, Texas, became the . . . Map (db m135041) HM
Paid Advertisement
36 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 26 — Red Front Blacksmith Shop Mural
The original Red Front Blacksmith Shop was located directly across the street from this mural. The workers pictured represent many local ranching families. The images in the ovals next to the buildings show scenes from Tehachapi's ranching history. . . . Map (db m53116) HM
37 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 22 — Site of Bank of Tehachapi
The first bank in Tehachapi was incorporated on October 11, 1892, in a dry goods store on "G" Street (now Tehachapi Boulevard). The founder and first President of the Bank of Tehachapi was Isadore Asher, who operated the bank in the rear of this . . . Map (db m52966) HM
38 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 15 — Site of the Kessing Building
On this site, the first frame building in Tehachapi was built by Mary and Bernard Kessing. They replaced the original wooden building in 1905 with a beautiful brick building named the Kessing Building, which was destroyed in the 1952 earthquake. A . . . Map (db m53123) HM
39 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Southern Pacific Concrete Telephone Booth
This style of telephone booth was unique to Southern Pacific Railroad. Untold hundreds were manufactured at the West Oakland Maintenance of Way Shops. Inside each booth was a Western Electric model 1517 BU wood-encased telephone with a . . . Map (db m232280) HM
40 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Tehachapi Airport and Gliderport
On February 16, 1914 Silas Christofferson made the first flight over the Tehachapi range above Tehachapi at an “altitude of 800 feet and was in plain view of the mountain folk who turned out in large numbers to see him pass.” There was another . . . Map (db m134502) HM
41 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Tehachapi DepotDedicated on June 5, 2005
Erected in 1904 to replace a former depot destroyed by fire, the Tehachapi Depot served the community until its use as a station was discontinued in 1971. In 2004, a local group began the process of obtaining the depot from Union Pacific. Upon . . . Map (db m121882) HM
42 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Tehachapi Eastside Cemetery War Memorial
In Honor of all Tehachapi Veterans Past Present Future Map (db m231046) WM
43 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 9 — Tehachapi Hospital Reported missing
Originally built by Jean Capdeville as a rooming house, it was later sold to Drs. Madge and Harold Schlotthauer in 1934. It was then used as a hospital until the 1952 earthquake. Although badly damaged, no lives were lost in the hospital. The large . . . Map (db m52819) HM
44 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 508 — Tehachapi Loop
From this spot may be seen a portion of the world-renowned “Loop.” It was completed in 1876 under the direction of William Hood, Southern Pacific Railroad Engineer. In gaining elevation around central hill of loop a 4000 foot train will cross 77 . . . Map (db m134430) HM
Paid Advertisement
45 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 27 — Tehachapi Loop Mural
The Tehchapi Loop put Tehachapi on the map when it was completed in 1876. Before that time there was no rail access across the Tehachapi Mountains. The historic Loop is pictured here, circa 1952, with a trompe l'oeil effect showing damage to the . . . Map (db m53117) HM
46 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 1 — Tehachapi Museum
This structure was built in 1932 as the Kern County Branch Library. When a new library was constructed in 1981, the County gave the old building to the City of Tehachapi with the stipulation that it be used as a public building. In 1982 the City . . . Map (db m52668) HM
47 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Tehachapi Pass
Tehachapi Pass became the preferred route connecting the Mojave and the San Joaquin Valley after John C. Fremont and Kit Carson passed this way during the 2nd Fremont Expedition in 1844. Situated at the southern edge of the Sierra Nevada, Tehachapi . . . Map (db m51786) HM
48 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Tehachapi Pass Railroad LineConstructed 1874 – 1876 — Commemorated October 1998 —
In front of you is the world famous Tehachapi Loop which is about halfway upgrade to the Tehachapi Pass. This steep line averages 2.2% in gradient in its 28 miles of length. This feat of civil engineering genius was crowning achievement of civil . . . Map (db m134431) HM
49 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Tehachapi Public Cemetery District War Memorial
In Honor Of All Tehachapi Veterans Past Present Future Map (db m231047) WM
50 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Tehachapi Train Depot Bricks
These bricks were discovered after the 2008 fire that destroyed the 1904 depot. They date back to the first depot built in 1876. They were collected and cleaned by museum volunteers.Map (db m232286) HM
51 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Tehachapi Veterans Memorial
United States Army: This We'll Defend June 14, 1775 United States Marine Corps: "Semper Fidelis" Always Faithful November 10, 1775 United States Navy: "Non sibi sed patriae" Not Self But Country October 13, 1775 United States Air Force: . . . Map (db m234143) WM
52 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Tehachapi’s Founding Fathersand Incorporation in 1909
An 1897 Bakersfield newspaper reported 642 inhabitants in Tehachapi and that the town was prosperous. Among the 50 or more businesses listed were 2 general stores, 3 blacksmiths, a grocery and a butcher shop, 2 barber shops, livery stables and feed . . . Map (db m135048) HM
53 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 29 — T-Hacha-P Brand Mural
The "T-Hacha-P" logo was taken from an early fruit crate label. The steam powered combine shown is followed by a horse drawn water wagon, with Tehachapi Peak in the background. Jake Jacobsen, a former mayor and civic leader, along with his brother . . . Map (db m53115) HM
Paid Advertisement
54 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — The Cross at the LoopSan Bernardino Train Disaster
In memory of conductor Everett S. Crown, brakeman Allan R. Riess, who lost their lives in a tragic train wreck in San Bernardino Calif. May 12, 1989. Erected by employees and S.P.T.C.O.Map (db m141332) HM
55 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — The Great Flood of 1932 and Engine No. 3834
On September 30th torrential rains flooded Tehachapi Creek, undermining the tracks under Santa Fe Engine No. 3834 which was waiting out the storm about ½ mile east of Woodford Station. The engine disappeared into the raging water below. It remained . . . Map (db m202039) HM
56 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — The KawaiisuTehachapi's Native American People — Tomo-Kahni State Histori Park —
The first people to inhabit the Tehachapi area called themselves Nuwa, which means “the people.” Known as Kawaiisu by neighboring tribes, they are of Shoshonean stock and speak a version of Uto-Aztecan language. Anthropologists believe they migrated . . . Map (db m134573) HM
57 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — The Legend of Avelino Martinez
Avelino Martinez was of Mexican, Indian and Chinese descent, four feet-four inches tall and thirteen years of age when he came with a group of drovers to the United States from Sonora, Mexico, searching for his father. He worked as a groom for . . . Map (db m52918) HM
58 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 17 — The Muro House
This was the first house constructed in Tehachapi, built in 1877 by Fred Boden. It was occupied from 1895 to 1940 by Mr. and Mrs. T.P. Sullivan. He was the Southern Pacific Roadmaster and was elected to Tehachapi's first Board of Trustees in 1909. . . . Map (db m52893) HM
59 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — The Railroad and the Tehachapi LoopEstablishment of Tehachapi – 1876
The Tehachapi Pass played an important part in the race to build the first transcontinental railroad. In the south, construction was stopped at Caliente by what appeared as an insurmountable barrier, allowing the northern route through Donner Pass . . . Map (db m134561) HM
60 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — The Tehachapi MuseumDedicated On May 22, 2010
Built in 1931 in the Art Deco style, this building originally housed the Kern County Library and was later given to the City. The Tehachapi Heritage League relocated the Museum to this site in 1982 through a long-term partnership with the City of . . . Map (db m52829) HM
61 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — The Women's Prison in Tehachapi - 1932Became California Correction Institution for Men in 1954
In 1933 California’s first women’s prison was established in Tehachapi to provide an environment more conductive to rehabilitation than San Quentin State Prison. Two-story buildings were constructed of reinforced concrete in the French Normandy . . . Map (db m134503) HM
62 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 1054 — Tomo-Kahni
In the Kawaiisu language, tomo-kahni means winter village. The site's location between the coast and desert allowed the site occupants to hold an important place for trade between these areas and the southern Central Valley. The sacred rock art . . . Map (db m92889) HM
Paid Advertisement
63 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — 10 — Two 1890's Houses
These two houses were constructed in the 1890's. One structure was built by R.D.Williamson and the other by Fred Boden.Map (db m52669) HM
64 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — What a Shock! The 1952 Earthquake
At 4:52 a.m. on July 21, 1952 Tehachapi residents were awaken by an earthquake lasting 45 seconds and registering 7.7 on the Richter Scale (lowered in recent years to 7.5). The quake claimed 11 lives, injured others and left 70% of the buildings in . . . Map (db m135037) HM
65 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Why Tehachapi Pass? / Pioneers of the Wind / Hike A Mile or Two - Thousand
First Panel: Wind Development Why Tehachapi Pass? 1) Close to Energy Users The proximity of Tehachapi Pass to the Los Angeles Basin makes it an attractive location for wind power development, as it reduces the length, . . . Map (db m63166)
66 California, Kern County, Tehachapi — Wind Energy Industry
During the first US energy crises in the 1970s the need for a sustainable and renewable energy was evident and President Jimmy Carter created the first renewable energy program in the country. In the early 1980s the first commercial electricity from . . . Map (db m135045) HM
 
 
CeraNet Cloud Computing sponsors the Historical Marker Database.
This website earns income from purchases you make after using our links to Amazon.com. We appreciate your support.
Paid Advertisements
Mar. 19, 2024