History of Kern County, CA Kern County, California History 6,000 b.c. Yokut Indians settled the area now known as the San Joaquin Valley. Father Francisco Garces visits Kern County and the Kern River. He names it Rio de San Felipe.
Kern County becomes part of Mexico.
John C. Fremont expedition passes through. Second Fremont exedition passes through. Kern River is named after Edward Kern, topographer of the party. California becomes the 31st state. Gold rush starts on the upper Kern River.