Site information:

S side of roundabout, intersection of Chester Ave and 30th St, Bakersfield

Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know.

35.386615,-119.01877

Plaque information:

Private plaque

Plaque text:

Francisco Garces 1738 - 1781 Spanish Franciscan

Padre Garces seeking a new route between Sonora, Mexico and Monterey crossed Rio de San Felipe (Kern River May 7, 1776) at Rancheria San Miguel now Bakersfield. First recorded white man in this locality, he brought Christianity to the Indian and on Rio Colorado his brave life was crowned with martyrdom. "Greater love hath no man than this - That a man lay down his life for his friends."

OHP description:

This is the approximate site of the Indian rancheria visited by Franciscan friar Padre Francisco Garcés on May 7, 1776. Padre Garcés named this spot San Miguel de los Noches por el Santa Príncipe.

Registered 10/21/1937