Bakersfield Has a History of Hospitality

Bakersfield has always been known for its friendliness. In fact, the city was founded on hospitality. In the mid-19th century, Col. Thomas Baker let it be known that travelers were welcome to stop and rest themselves and their animals in Baker's field.

Another milestone in the city's history of hospitality was The Bakersfield Inn, billed as the world's largest motel at the time. The landmark property greeted visitors traveling along U.S. 99, who were beckoned by the large BAKERSFIELD arch that spanned the busy highway, connecting both sides of the motel just south of California Avenue.

Seventy years ago, the inn had grown to a multi-million dollar, 326-room property along what was known as California's "Main Street." That was a big change from the original 26 rooms at the inn's opening in 1930.

The August 2, 1952 article below, from the Bakersfield Californian, provides details of the many features of The Bakersfield Inn that made it a landmark. Thank you to the Kern County History Fans group for posting the article on its Facebook page.

While The Bakersfield Inn is now only a memory, that hospitality originally shown by Col. Baker lives on. We welcome all shapes, all sizes, all colors, and all religions from all over the world. That welcoming spirit -- it's in our Bakersfield DNA.