Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Bakersfield National Cemetery
Set in a beautiful, natural landscape, Bakersfield National Cemetery in the White Wolf area of the Tehachapi Mountains is nestled amidst wide-open stretches, mountain vistas and rolling grazing land where both cattle and camels once roamed. Dating to the days of the land grants when California was still part of Mexico, the land has hosted vaqueros and cowboys, as well as the short-lived U.S. Army Camel Corps that was based in nearby Fort Tejon from 1857 to 1863.
The cemetery land was originally part of a Mexican grant that dates to November 24, 1843, when Mexican Governor Manuel Micheltorena gave the land to the original owners, Jose Antonio Aguirre and Ignacio del Valle. They called the property Rancho el Tejon.
In the 1850s and 1860s, General Edward Fitzgerald Beale, hero of the Battle of San Pasqual and former superintendent of Indian affairs and surveyor-general of California, purchased Rancho el Tejon and three other land grants and assembled them into what he called the Ranchos el Tejon, now known simply as Tejon Ranch. Rancho el Tejon was the largest of the four land grants. The White Wolf area, where the cemetery is located, was historically used for grazing and that practice continues today. It was so named because of the packs of white wolves that roamed the area. The vaqueros reported seeing them as late as 1875.
Through the National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003, Congress authorized the addition of six new national cemeteries, including one in the Bakersfield area. The Tejon Ranch Company, which owns the largest contiguous tract of private property in California—between Los Angeles and Bakersfield—quickly offered to donate land for use as a cemetery. It offered a choice of several locations in the White Wolf area and the National Cemetery Administration chose the 500-acre site located just south of Highway 58 and west of Highway 223. The cemetery is surrounded by the 422-square-mile Tejon Ranch.
The final transfer of land took place in 2008. The first interment of cremated remains occurred on July 1, 2009, and the first casketed interment the following day.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Bakersfield National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Charles L.
Napier, a veteran character actor of both TV and film, his granite jaw and toothy grin often earned him roles as tough-guys and heavies. By the time Napier found his niche, he had been a high school art teacher, parking lot attendant, typist and truck driver. Born April 12, 1936, in Mount Union, KY, he served in the Army before earning a bachelor's degree in art in 1961 from what is now Western Kentucky University. He died at the age of 75 and was interred at the Bakersfield National Cemetery on October 13, 2011; Section A, Row D, Site 15.
Eligibility for burial at Bakersfield National Cemetery
Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.
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Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
From the local airport - Meadows Field: Take CA-99 south towards Bakersfield/Los Angeles. Take Exit 24, on right, onto CA-58 east towards Tehachapi/Mojave. Travel 22.6 miles on CA-58 E then make a right onto CA-223/East Bear Mountain Blvd. towards Arvin. Bakersfield National Cemetery will be on the right after approximately 1/2 a mile.
From the East (Palmdale/Lancaster Areas): Take CA-58 west towards Bakersfield. Turn left onto CA-223/East Bear Mountain Boulevard going toward Arvin. Bakersfield National Cemetery will be on the right after approximately ½ mile.
Floral and grounds policy
Fresh cut flowers can be placed on gravesites year-round. Once the flowers become unsightly, we will remove them. In addition, to facilitate a thorough cleaning of the burial sections, we will remove and dispose of all items placed on gravesites on the first and third Tuesday of each month (exception winter holiday season). Temporary plastic flower vases are available in the designated bins.
Artificial flowers and potted plants are allowed only on graves for a period extending five days before through five days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Bakersfield National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Los Angeles National Cemetery Annex — Los Angeles, CA (84 mi · unknown)
- Los Angeles National Cemetery — Los Angeles, CA (84 mi · closed)
- Riverside National Cemetery — Riverside, CA (131 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Bakersfield National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Peters Funeral Home - Arvin is a premier funeral home located at 201 S. Hill St. in Arvin, CA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Greenlawn Funeral Home Southwest is a premier funeral home located at 2739 Panama Lane in Bakersfield, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including memorial park and cemetery properties. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and memorialization options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.5-star Google rating across 271 reviews.
Greenlawn Funeral Homes and Cemeteries is a premier funeral home located at 3700 River Blvd. in Bakersfield, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including greenlawn cemetery southwest, greenlawn cemetery northeast, and cremation properties. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and memorialization options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,595. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,895, while direct cremation is available from $1,595.
Monarch Memorial is a premier funeral home located at 2801 F Street in Bakersfield, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home and arrangement office. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and specialty funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,295. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $1,895, while direct cremation is available from $895.
Delano Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 707 Browning Road in Delano, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including large-capacity chapel, banquet room, and gardens. Professional offerings include funeral planning, cremation services, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,695. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,895, while direct cremation is available from $1,695. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Asian traditions, Buddhist, Hispanic traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Protestant, Jewish, and Black traditions. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.6-star Google rating across 96 reviews.
Peters Funeral Home, Wasco is a premier funeral home located at 1401 7Th Street in Wasco, CA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.