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Isabella, California

Isabella, California

Steven Barton founded Isabella, originally known as Barton Junction, in 1886. In 1893, he completed his plans for the township, which he laid out into ninety-eight parcels, and renamed it in honor of Queen Isabella of Spain. Isabella had its own post office, church and school, and a few residents. It was situated on an important route through the Kern River Valley that connected the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley with the Owens Valley, on the eastern side of the Sierras. This route eventually became State Highway 178. Lake Isabella submerged the original town site in 1953, and residents rebuilt the town nearby.

About this community

Dam
Isabella Dam
River
Kern River
Region
California
Established
1886
Inundated
1953

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Archive artifacts

Photos

  • 178 Club
    178 Club 1900on the Northeast corner of Main & 1st Streets.Chuck Barbee collection
  • Aerial of 1st Street
    Aerial of 1st Street 1900000 acre feet.Chuck Barbee collection
  • Aerial view of Old Isabella
    Aerial view of Old Isabella 1900Chuck Barbee collection
  • Byroms Coffee Shop
    Byroms Coffee Shop 1900Byroms Coffee Shop on the southwest corner of Main & 1st Streets.Chuck Barbee collection
  • Gus Suhre Store
    Gus Suhre Store 1900Gus Suhre's store was the main store and Post Office in Old Isabella. It was on the Southeast corner of Main & 1 Streets.Chuck Barbee collection
  • Old Isabella Garage
    Old Isabella Garage 1900next to Byroms Cafe.Chuck Barbee collection

Sources