Beale Clock Tower, Bakersfield

Beale Clock Tower, Bakersfield (must see)

Beale Memorial Clock Tower is a clock tower located in Bakersfield, California. It was a gift to the city; built by Truxtun Beale in memory of his mother, Mary Edwards Beale. It was dedicated on April 4, 1904. When he was ambassador to Spain, Beale was inspired by a clock tower he saw there. He hired architect Clinton Day to design it.

In 1910, the Bakersfield and Kern Electric Railway started planning a double track upgrade on the South Chester Line. The Beale Clock Tower was right in the path of that line upgrade. On January, 22 1912, the Bakersfield City Council voted to remove the clock tower. However, after protest from citizens, and Truxtun Beale, it was decided to leave the clock tower. Tracks were built around it, which would create future traffic problems. However, the citizens at the time were content to drive around the narrow space.

The clock tower continued to stand until 1952, when a series of earthquakes shook Kern County. Being damaged by the earthquake, the city council again voted to demolish it. The only parts to survive were the: clock works, bell, iron spiral stairwell, balcony railings, and arch iron grillwork.

In 1961, a group of local citizens organized an effort to rebuild the clock tower. The new clock tower would be built in front of the Kern County Museum on Chester Ave, approximately 1.25 miles north of its original location. It was dedicated on December 13, 1964 to the County of Kern.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

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Beale Clock Tower on Map

Sight Name: Beale Clock Tower
Sight Location: Bakersfield, USA (See walking tours in Bakersfield)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Bakersfield, California

Create Your Own Walk in Bakersfield

Create Your Own Walk in Bakersfield

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bakersfield is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bakersfield Historical Buildings Tour

Bakersfield Historical Buildings Tour

Many buildings in Bakersfield were damaged during the earthquake of 1952. Fortunately, many of them have since been carefully restored and preserved. Take this tour to explore Bakersfield's past by visiting some the city's buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places or as Historic Sites in Kern County.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Bakersfield Introduction Walking Tour

Bakersfield Introduction Walking Tour

Colonel Thomas Baker established the city now known as Bakersfield in 1863. His small original settlement has developed into one of the largest cities in California. There are many notable landmarks in downtown Bakersfield that highlight the cultural and historic significance of the city. Take this self-guided tour to get acquainted with the beautiful monuments, parks, and cultural venues spread...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles