Tehichipa, California, Kern County is a ghost town that once thrived during the California Gold Rush era. Located in the heart of the state, this town offers a glimpse into the past, capturing the essence of a bygone time when gold seekers flocked to the area. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Kern County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 35.1167° N, 118.5667° W
Elevation: Approximately 4,035 feet (1,230 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: 1869
Disestablished: Late 1870s
Comments: Tehichipa was established during the peak of the gold rush when miners were drawn to the area for its promising gold deposits. The town was a bustling hub for workers and their families, with amenities like saloons, stores, and housing.
However, as the gold reserves dwindled, so did the town’s population. Tehichipa, originally known as Williamsburg, was founded in 1869 by James Williams; while Williams originally named the town for himself, its name was changed to Tehichipa by 1872.
The town was a shipping center for Owens Valley gold mines before the railroad construction. However, when the Southern Pacific Railroad built a railroad in 1876, it bypassed Tehichipa, instead establishing a new town named “Tehachapi Summit”. The railroad caused Tehachapi Summit to grow at Tehichipa’s expense.
Remains: Today, little remains of Tehichipa. Some foundations and scattered debris can be found, offering a tangible connection to its gold rush heritage. The remnants are primarily located in a remote area accessible by dirt roads, which adds to the allure for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
A post office operated at Tehichipa from 1869 to 1877, when the service was transferred to Old Town.
Current Status: Tehichipa is classified as a ghost town. It is not inhabited and serves as a historical site of interest for those visiting Kern County.
Tehachapi Summit evolved into the city of Tehachapi, while Tehichipa ultimately died out. The only surviving building from Tehichipa, the Errea House, is now in Tehachapi.
Remarks: Tehichipa’s history highlights the transient nature of mining towns during the gold rush. While it thrived briefly, the town was quickly abandoned once the gold was exhausted.
Today, it stands as a symbol of the fleeting prosperity of that era. It is a poignant reminder of the many similar towns that emerged and disappeared across the American West.
