City Hall and Colonel Thomas Baker Statue, Bakersfield

51±¬ÁÏÍø

City Hall and Colonel Thomas Baker Statue, Bakersfield

City Hall and Colonel Thomas Baker Statue, Bakersfield

Bakersfield City Hall serves as the epicenter of government for the City of Bakersfield. The current City Hall, completed in 1954, replaced the original structure that was destroyed by the devastating 1952 Kern County earthquake. This building houses the Mayor's office and the City Council chambers, playing a crucial role in the city's administrative and political activities.

Prominently positioned in front of City Hall is a statue of Colonel Thomas Baker, the city's founder, designated as a California Historical Landmark. Erected in 1944, this statue is a significant symbol of Bakersfield's heritage. It portrays Colonel Baker seated and holding a document, symbolizing his role as an intellectual and pioneer. The statue is not only a tribute to his contributions but also a reminder of the city's rich history and its roots in the pioneering spirit of its early settlers.

Colonel Thomas Baker, after whom Bakersfield is named, was a notable figure in American history. He served as an officer in the Revolutionary War and later became an adventurer and pioneer. He first settled in the area around 1863, bringing with him a vision that would eventually shape the future of Bakersfield. His legacy is preserved not only in the city's name but also through this statue, which stands as a testament to his enduring impact on the community.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bakersfield. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51±¬ÁÏÍø App

City Hall and Colonel Thomas Baker Statue on Map

Sight Name: City Hall and Colonel Thomas Baker Statue
Sight Location: Bakersfield, USA (See walking tours in Bakersfield)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Bakersfield, California

Create Your Own Walk in Bakersfield

Create Your Own Walk in Bakersfield

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bakersfield is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bakersfield Introduction Walking Tour

Bakersfield Introduction Walking Tour

Bakersfield, California is a hub of culture and history tucked away in the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. Native Americans, specifically the Yokuts people, inhabited present-day Bakersfield for thousands of years. In 1776, Spanish missionary Francisco Garcés was the first European to explore this territory, encountering its indigenous population.

Among those attracted to the area by...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Bakersfield Historical Buildings Tour

Bakersfield Historical Buildings Tour

Although many buildings in Bakersfield, California were damaged during the earthquake of 1952, the majority of them have survived and since then been carefully restored and preserved. Thanks to this effort, the city boasts a rich tapestry of historical properties reflecting its growth and cultural heritage.

Among these landmarks, the Fox Theater stands out as a beacon of entertainment history....  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles