6 Fun Facts About Bakersfield: How Well Do You Know Your City?

Bakersfield is known for its prominent agriculture industry, small-town charm, and country music scene. With its unique history, there’s always something new to learn about this Southern California city. Read on for some fun facts about Bakersfield you may have not heard of before.

1. It’s the birthplace of the Bakersfield sound

This country music sub-genre was developed in the 1950s by several artists, including Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. It’s known to be a bit rougher with some twang, which is quite different from the smoother Nashville sound. 

2. There are a handful of raceways in Bakersfield

Whether you enjoy racing cars or just watching, there’s a prominent scene here. From Kern County Raceway Park and Bakersfield Speedway to the nearby Buttonwillow Raceway and Famoso Dragstrip, there’s plenty of events to watch or opportunities to get behind the wheel.

3. Bakersfield became an official city in 1898

Bakersfield was actually first incorporated in 1873, but was dis-incorporated by voters in 1876. It was re-incorporated on January 11, 1898 when the city’s population was around 4,000 people. It’s now the county seat of Kern County.

4. Bakersfield is home to the largest producer of carrots in the world

Grimmway Farms, headquartered in Bakersfield, is the largest grower, producer, and shipper of carrots.

5. Downtown Bakersfield is home to a plethora of antique stores

The Antique District, as some like to call it, is home to a handful of antique stores that offer unique collectibles and rare finds. From the Central Park Antique Mall to Great American Antiques, there’s bound to be some great finds in one of the many antique stores in downtown Bakersfield.

6. It’s the “oil capital of California”

Bakersfield has a thriving oil production industry. In fact, the oilfields here and the surrounding area produce more oil than any other city in the U.S.

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