Bakersfield was first known as Kern Island. A handful of pioneers built log cabins sometime in 1860. In 1869, Bakersfield was founded in honor of Colonel Thomas Baker. It was because of the California Gold rush that brought Colonel Baker to Kerns Island. After the foundation the Kern Island was changed to Baker's Field. In 1873 it was officially declared as a city.

Bakersfield is situated at the southern end of San Joaquin Valley in kern County, California, USA. It is a large city and is considered as one to the fastest growing city when it comes to population. With a population of more than 247,057 it is the 11th fastest growing city in the United States. There are 83,441 households and the white is 61.87 percent of the racial makeup.

The city's economy lies mostly in petroleum extraction, refining, manufacturing and agriculture. Bakersfield is considered as one to the major cities of California.