Campsite of Edward M. Kern

Kern's was the last name given to this river and the only one that stuck. Tübatulabal called the forks Palegewanap and Kutchibichwanap Palap, Garcés made it the Rio de San Felipe in 1776, and Zalvidea renamed it La Porciuncula in 1806. Then a young artist from Philadelphia wintered at the confluence with Theodore Talbot's party, drawing a field map with latitudes every night for three dollars a day. Frémont, who had gone north himself, put Kern on the map. The county took the name in 1866. The campsite is under the lake.

What the plaque says

Campsite of Edward M. Kern Near this spot at the confluence of the north and south forks of the Kern River the Theodore Talbot party of Captain John C. Fremont's third expedition to the West camped for several weeks during December 1845 and January 1846. The river was named by Fremont in honor of Edward M. Kern, Topographer for the expedition. Kern County was established in 1866 and derived its name from that of the river. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 742 Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Kern County Historical Society, El Tejon Parlor No. 239, Native Daughters of the Golden West, and the Kern County Museum, May 27, 1962.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Keyesville — 3.4 mi
• Kernville — 5.0 mi
• Havilah — 9.6 mi
• Glennville Adobe — 15 mi