Havilah’s Forgotten Gold and Fire | Bakersfield News

Havilah, Kern County’s first county seat, thrived in the gold rush era with ten stamp mills and rugged mining methods, but faded as the gold ran out and the seat moved to Bakersfield in 1874. Though quieter now, it still holds history — from stagecoach robberies to the devastating 2024 Borel Fire that destroyed its replica courthouse and museum. Yet, the community’s spirit endures, rebuilding and uncovering everyday relics like soap dishes and perfume bottles that reveal the lives of the families who once called Havilah home. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/322c85735ae392a9