Bakersfield, city (2020 pop.
403,455), seat of Kern co., S central Calif., at the southern end of the San
Joaquin valley; inc. 1898. It is an oil, mining, and agricultural center and
one of the fastest-growing U.S. cities. Since the Kern River oil fields were
discovered in 1899, almost all of the major oil companies have established
refineries in Bakersfield. Gold was discovered in the region in 1855 and
silver, borax, gypsum, and tungsten are now mined. Manufactures include
chemicals, apparel, food and beverages, construction materials, fabricated
metal products, paper and rubber goods, and computers. Cotton, citrus
fruits, potatoes, nuts, and roses are grown in the area and there is
dairying. California State Univ. Bakersfield is there, and there are major
aerospace facilities, including Edwards Air Force Base. Sequoia National
Forest is nearby.
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