Cemeteries in Kern County (County)

Kern County, established in 1866 and named after Edward Kern, a topographer in John C. Frémont’s third expedition, lies at the southern end of California’s Central Valley.

Before European-American settlement, the area was home to the Yokuts and Tubatulabal peoples. In the mid-19th century, waves of settlers—primarily of Anglo-American, German, and later Mexican and Filipino descent—arrived due to gold discoveries and agricultural opportunities. The region was initially part of Tulare County under Mexican and early American governance before Kern was carved out. Early settlements included Havilah, which briefly served as the county seat before Bakersfield took over in 1874. Over time, the county grew into a center for oil production, agriculture, and aerospace development. Bakersfield remains the cultural and administrative hub.

Cemeteries such as Union Cemetery in Bakersfield and Hillcrest Memorial Park in Kern County have served the area’s residents from the 19th century to the present.