In May 1899, James and Jonathan Ellwood discovered oil on the north side of the Kern River, setting off an oil boom that transformed Bakersfield and Kern County.

Bakersfield's oil industry began here

KVPR's Central Valley Roots explores the history, people and places of Central California. Discover something new about our region, past and present, with each episode. From Fresno and Bakersfield, to Visalia and Merced, the Central Valley is full of rich stories that make the place we call home special. Send us your question about local history or places to roots@kvpr.org and we might answer it in a future episode. Hear the series on the radio weekdays at 5:06 a.m., 9:04 a.m. and 5:32 p.m. or listen to our podcast.

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Bakersfield's oil industry began here

Bakersfield's oil industry began here

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