Taft

Taft is a city in Kern County located in the southwestern part of San Joaquin Valley. The settlement sits on flat terrain marked by oil drilling operations and industrial equipment spread across the landscape.

The settlement began in 1900 as a railroad siding and took its current name in 1909 after President William Howard Taft. Oil extraction soon became the driving force behind the town's growth and economic development.

The West Kern Oil Museum showcases the petroleum industry through equipment, photographs, and records of regional growth. Walking through its displays, you see how oil drilling became central to everyday life here and shaped the community's identity.

The city has a town hall and municipal council that meet regularly to handle local matters. Visitors should know that most facilities and services are oriented around the oil industry and its operations.

The Midway-Sunset oil field nearby is one of the largest of its kind in California and contributes substantially to the state's crude oil output. The depth and scale of this field make it a notable example of oil extraction in America.

Location: Kern County

Elevation above the sea: 291 m

Website: http://cityoftaft.org

GPS coordinates: 35.14250,-119.45639

Latest update: December 17, 2025 07:45