Francisco Garces

Historical marker location:

Bakersfield, California

( Marker is at the intersection of North Chester Avenue and Golden State Highway (California Route 204), in the median on North Chester Avenue.)

Marker installed: 1939

1738 1781. Spanish Franciscan.

The state's name is derived from a novel called "Las Sergas de Esplandián," which was published in 1510. The book, written by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo, tells the story of a mythical island called California that is ruled by Queen Calafia and is said to be filled with gold and precious stones.