Merry Go Round Antique Mall and Tunnels, Bakersfield
The Merry Go Round Antique Mall offers more than just a collection of vintage treasures; it serves as a portal to the city's intriguing underground past. Beneath this quaint antique store lies a network of tunnels, a remnant from the early 1900s that hints at Bakersfield's storied history. Visitors peering through a basement window can glimpse an old brick enclosure that forms part of this subterranean labyrinth, which reflects a bygone era of the city鈥檚 development. These tunnels, although newer than the original ones built in the 1880s, have become an integral part of the lore surrounding Bakersfield鈥檚 hidden depths.
The history of Bakersfield's tunnels is deeply intertwined with the city's unique position as the only California county to host multiple China Towns. These enclaves emerged in the mid-1880s, populated by Chinese immigrants who came from different parts of China and spoke various dialects, leading to the formation of distinct communities just streets apart. To escape the sweltering Bakersfield heat, these communities constructed tunnels. However, the tunnels beneath Merry Go Round Antiques were constructed after the devastating Bakersfield fire of 1889 and were primarily intended for the transportation of goods.
Contrary to popular myths, the tunnels were not used for nefarious activities such as transporting drugs and alcohol. Although tales of underground gambling and opium dens persist, these are largely fictional. Such activities did occur in the China Towns, but they were not hidden away underground; instead, they took place openly within the communities. Additionally, there is no credible evidence to support the notion that the tunnels were ever haunted, despite the rich folklore that surrounds them.
Today, the tunnels under Merry Go Round Antiques offer a unique glimpse into the past, revealing the practical and social dynamics of the city鈥檚 early immigrant communities. For both tourists and locals, exploring these tunnels provides a fascinating connection to the historical fabric of Bakersfield, enriching their understanding of the city's cultural heritage.
The history of Bakersfield's tunnels is deeply intertwined with the city's unique position as the only California county to host multiple China Towns. These enclaves emerged in the mid-1880s, populated by Chinese immigrants who came from different parts of China and spoke various dialects, leading to the formation of distinct communities just streets apart. To escape the sweltering Bakersfield heat, these communities constructed tunnels. However, the tunnels beneath Merry Go Round Antiques were constructed after the devastating Bakersfield fire of 1889 and were primarily intended for the transportation of goods.
Contrary to popular myths, the tunnels were not used for nefarious activities such as transporting drugs and alcohol. Although tales of underground gambling and opium dens persist, these are largely fictional. Such activities did occur in the China Towns, but they were not hidden away underground; instead, they took place openly within the communities. Additionally, there is no credible evidence to support the notion that the tunnels were ever haunted, despite the rich folklore that surrounds them.
Today, the tunnels under Merry Go Round Antiques offer a unique glimpse into the past, revealing the practical and social dynamics of the city鈥檚 early immigrant communities. For both tourists and locals, exploring these tunnels provides a fascinating connection to the historical fabric of Bakersfield, enriching their understanding of the city's cultural heritage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bakersfield. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: 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爆料网 App
Merry Go Round Antique Mall and Tunnels on Map
Sight Name: Merry Go Round Antique Mall and Tunnels
Sight Location: Bakersfield, USA (See walking tours in Bakersfield)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bakersfield, USA (See walking tours in Bakersfield)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bakersfield, California
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, 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 Garc茅s 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
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
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
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