It was the middle of the 19th Century when Colonel Thomas Baker, the man for whom Bakersfield is named, moved to Kern County and ultimately settled in what was then known as Kern Island. A prosperous lawyer, politician and businessman, he hand-selected this parcel of land as the place he wanted to “Lay my bones”.
Baker’s grave in 1872 marked the beginning of Union Cemetery, which for nearly a century-and-a-half has been the resting place of thousands of pioneers and settlers, Civil War soldiers, prominent local families, cowboys, farmers, bankers and builders, remarkable men and women who have shaped our community’s history.
“Union Cemetery” is so named because, in the late 1800’s, both the city of Bakersfield and the City of Sumner had old, neglected and rundown cemeteries. The newspaper complained about them so much that when Col. Baker was buried at the present location of Union Cemetery, the townspeople wanted that area to become the new cemetery. The County bought the property, and the name of Union Cemetery was adopted as the two cemeteries were united as one. We added “Historic” to the name in 2012 in recognition of history and heritage preserved here.
Union Cemetery is owned and managed by the Union Cemetery Association, a non-profit organization that has cared for this property continuously since 1904.
Colonel Thomas Baker – Founder of Bakersfield
Colonel Thomas Baker was the visionary founder of the city of Bakersfield and the source of its name. Bakersfield is a monument to his pioneer spirit, hard work and creativity.
Benjamin Brundage – Brought the County Seat to Bakersfield
Benjamin Brundage was a celebrated jurist who made Bakersfield a political power center and helped draft a controversial new constitution for California in the 1870s.
Elisha Stevens – Blazed the Trail to California
A classic frontiersman, Elisha Stephens was the first to guide a wagon train safely over the treacherous Sierra Nevada mountains, opening Northern California to overland migration.
George Chester – Bakersfield’s First Postmaster
Pioneer George Chester accomplished several “firsts” for Bakersfield, including acting as its first postmaster and first telegraph operator and opening its first general store.
Henry Jastro – Early Civic Builder
Henry A. Jastro, known as “The Commodore,” was an important cattleman and an influential politician.
Jacob Niederaur – Bakersfield’s 1st Undertaker
Jacob Niederaur was Bakersfield’s first undertaker and the first sexton of Historic Union Cemetery, which he helped to develop.
The Joss House Shoot-out – Bakersfield’s Own Wild West
In 1903, Bakersfield was the scene of one of the great gun battles of the Wild West.
Ellen Baker Tracy – First Lady of Bakersfield
Ellen Baker Tracy wasn’t what you’d call the demure, retiring type. Born in 1837 in Washtenaw, Michigan, she was a pioneer in every sense of the word.
Faustino M. Noriega – Basque Leader (but not Basque)
Faustino M. Noriega is regarded as one of the early developers of Bakersfield’s legendary Basque community.
Alexis Godey – Trapper, Scout, Soldier, Eccentric
Of all the many colorful personalities forever residing at Historic Union Cemetery, the prize may go to this man, Alexis Godey.
Alfred Harrell – Publisher of the Bakersfield Californian
Alfred Harrell, editor and publisher of The Bakersfield Californian for nearly 50 years, helped provide wise direction to development of the entire Southern San Joaquin Valley.