Kern County Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
county in California, United States
About Kern County
When it was established in the 1850s, Kern County's economy was primarily based on mining, with the flatlands that are today used for agriculture considered inhospitable swamps. As settlers began draining the wetlands, farming became the predominant source of income. In 1899 oil was discovered and the Kern River Oil Field was established; to date it has produced over two billion barrels of oil, making it the fifth-largest oil field in the United States. While agriculture and petroleum extraction are the main economic drivers in the county, aerospace is also a key employer, with Edwards Air Force Base, the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, and the Mojave Air and Space Port all important research centers. In addition, the area surrounding Tehachapi is home to two of America's largest
Kern County Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 6 sections including: