“International Community Working Together”
Established in 1870 as a Southern Pacific railhead, developed as a farming town, and incorporated in 1915, Delano is an agricultural market center for south Kern and Tulare County farming interests. With easy access to markets, including overnight truck delivery to all California markets, Southern Pacific Railroad and Santa Fe rail facilities, Delano benefits from its location in the center of a two-county agribusiness area.
Delano is the second largest incorporated community in the county.
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“Gateway to the Sea”
Incorporated July 25, 1911, this “mother city” of the prolific Midway-Sunset Oil Fields is the gateway to the Cerro Noreste/Mt. Pinos recreation area.
Maricopa is the name applied by a Pima Indian Tribe to a neighboring tribe of Uymas inhabiting the Gila River Valley in southern Arizona. How the name reached California is unknown, but it was given to the oil-booming community when a station on the Sunset Western Railroad was established there in 1903.
The real growth in Maricopa began with the opening of the first Lakeview gusher in 1910. The famed gusher helped make Kern County “First in Oil” in the state and nation.
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“Heartbeat of Agriculture”
Located on Highway 99, McFarland is a thriving community deeply rooted in agriculture. Cotton, sugar beets, potatoes, and roses are some of the leading enterprises. A citrus processing plant, an almond hulling facility, and a winery further serve the area’s agriculture and economic interests.
Incorporated July 15, 1957, the town was named for J. B. McFarland, who with W. F. Laird, established the townsite in 1908.
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“Key to New Horizons”
Ridgecrest’s beginnings and continued rapid expansion was sparked by the establishment of the China Lake Naval Ordnance Test Station in 1943. Attaining in a decade what most communities take half a century to accomplish, Ridgecrest serves a population exceeding 40,000.
Situated in the Indian Wells Valley, Ridgecrest basks in the clear blue skies and clean air of the high desert. The city was incorporated in 1963.
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“Pursuing Our Vision Preserving Our Values”
Named for General William (Pecos Bill) Shafter, the city was incorporated in 1938, and became a Charter City in 1995. Shafter is located approximately 18 miles northwest of Bakersfield in Kern County. Shafter, which traces its roots to the completion of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1898, evolved as a prosperous farming community that today is home to many local businesses and farming operations.
Shafter is host to numerous community events and festivals, and is located within a short drive of various boating, fishing, camping and golfing facilities. Shafter boasts a strong sense of community spirit and pride that coupled with an exceptional “small town” quality of life, makes our city one of the San Joaquin Valley’s best kept secrets.
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“Center of Midway, Largest Oilfield in the World”
The city of Taft is on the western side of Kern County. Incorporated in 1910 and named for President William H. Taft, the city has served as home to those dependent upon oil production for their livelihoods.
Taft features an airfield where sky diving and sail plan enthusiasts can be easily accommodated. Taft is also home to Buena Vista Lake and Golf Course, providing recreation for the fun-loving residents of Kern County.
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