Taft: Oil History, Oildorado, and Historic Places

Taft is a worthwhile destination for travelers who want to combine California local history, the development of the oil industry, and distinctive local traditions. Between the museum, historic fort, monument, and a short route for planning a day out, the city offers a diverse picture. Those choosing a vacation rental in Taft can therefore tailor the focus of their stay to history, events, or a relaxed exploration at their own pace.

Oil History at the West Kern Oil Museum

The West Kern Oil Museum is located near Highway 33 and Wood Street in Taft. It documents the history of Taft and the oil industry, providing a tangible introduction to a subject that shapes the character of the place. For visitors interested in technology, regional development, or the world of work surrounding oil extraction, this historical perspective is an important part of planning their trip.

The Taft Oilworker Monument also commemorates work in the oil industry. It is located at the corner of South 6th Street and Supply Row near the Rails to Trails in downtown Taft. Its precise location makes the monument a notable point of reference for exploring the city. If different interests come together in your travel group, the oil history can be combined with additional historical impressions without limiting the stay to a single theme.

Taft Historic Fort and Living Traditions

Taft Historic Fort was modeled after Sutter's Fort in Sacramento, which was built in 1840. Its own origins are closely connected with the history of the Great Depression: between 1938 and 1940, 83 workers built the fort as part of a WPA project. They made the adobe bricks for the 14-foot-high walls by hand. Details such as these give the structure particular historical depth and also make it interesting for travelers interested in American labor and construction history.

The fort serves as a venue for weddings, benefit events, civic events, and other occasions. Another distinctive feature of Taft is Oildorado. The festival lasts ten days and takes place every five years, with exceptions during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Traditions included oil skills competitions: in 1950, wire-rope splicing was on the program; in 1965, pulling casing from wells; in 1980, excavator and welding competitions; and in 2005, pipe-fitting and crane-operation competitions. These historical examples show how closely festival culture and the oil industry are connected in Taft.

City Walk and Excursion Planning

The Rails to Trails in Taft is 1.1 miles long. Anyone wishing to include a manageable route in their day plan should take this length into account when organizing their time. The Taft Oilworker Monument is also located nearby in the city center. For a trip involving different interests, Taft can therefore offer both historical highlights and a short outdoor activity.

Taft lies east of Carrizo Plain National Monument. Information about the monument is available at the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 400 Kern Street. This makes it possible to supplement the city's history with further orientation for the region. Plan your accommodation according to your preferred focus: those who mainly want to experience museums, the fort, and local history can structure their days differently from travelers who want to use Taft as a starting point for additional information about the surrounding area.

More Destinations for Your Trip Planning

If you would like to explore additional destinations besides Taft, here is a compact selection: Wasco, Mckittrick, Lamont, Ridgecrest, Inyokern, Kernville, Lebec and California City.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kern.