Father Garces Statue, Bakersfield

The Father Garces Statue in Bakersfield commemorates Francisco Garcés, a Spanish Franciscan friar and early explorer who traversed the Kern region in 1776. Positioned within the Garces Memorial Traffic Circle-commonly referred to as “The Circle”-the monument honors Garcés' historic visit to a nearby indigenous settlement. The circle itself, constructed in the early 1930s as part of U.S. Route 99, was a key point in the city’s road network and later designated as California Historical Landmark No. 277. The statue was unveiled on May 7, 1939, during a public ceremony involving Native American participants and religious leaders, underscoring the cultural and spiritual significance of Garcés’ legacy.

Sculpted by John Palo-Kangas under the Federal Art Project, the statue stands as a prominent example of Depression-era public art. Crafted from a 24-ton block of Indiana limestone and set atop a Carnelian granite base, the monument reaches over 22 feet in height. The design follows the stylized Moderne aesthetic, depicting Garcés in long robes, hands folded, and gazing outward-a solemn figure marking the region’s colonial past. The base includes engraved illustrations and commemorative text, integrating both artistic and historical elements.

Originally installed at the center of the circle, the statue was a visible landmark for travelers along the busy highway. By 1956, as traffic increased and an overpass was added above the circle, the statue was relocated roughly 55 feet south to reduce congestion. Although no longer at the circle’s heart, it remains a familiar civic icon and enduring tribute to one of Kern County’s earliest European visitors.