Fort Tejon was initially established in 1854 and was later home to the U.S. Army’s First Dragoons, who worked from the outpost until the summer of 1864 when the Army closed the fort, ending its career as an active military post.
Fort Tejon offers the history lover an authentic experience as visitors can talk with soldiers, visit the blacksmith at his forge, the carpenter in his shop, or the barracks’ soldiers. Servants, cooks, officers, and laborers are eager to share their stories with you. Reenactments are a popular theme at the fort, and living history demonstrations occur year-round on the first Sunday of each month.
A group of re-enactors has allowed visitors to experience the soldiers’ daily army life through their Dragoon Era recreations. Events are held on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Visitors can view the standard soldier’s everyday life and civilian men, women, and children at this Lebec mountain outpost. Kids may even get the opportunity to meet and shake hands with President Abraham Lincoln.
Civil War battle demonstrations allow you to see the Infantry, Calvary, and Artillery troops from the Union and Confederate Armies at Fort Tejon. Guided tours of the Union and Confederate camps take place between each battle.
Fort Tejon’s geographical location is unique, as several ecological regions merge, including the Central Valley, the Sierra Nevada, the Mojave Desert, and Southern California climates.
Deer have often seen grazing in the meadows during the late afternoon hours in the spring and summer months. California poppies are among the many wildflowers found in the park.
Many birds call the area home, such as the western blue scrub jay and various woodpeckers species. You’ll also find several magnificent 400-year-old valley oak trees dotted throughout the area.
Many of the original adobes have been restored for visitors. The museum features many exhibits on army life and local history. The park offers a visitor’s center, campgrounds, restrooms, and picnic tables, so it’s an excellent opportunity for the family to learn and enjoy a picnic there.
Camping Fort Tejon
The Fort Tejon campground is available to groups any time of year except on Living History weekends. Located at the park’s west end, it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wilderness.
Battle demonstrations are held on the third Sunday of each month at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Mock battles are approximately 30 minutes in length.
Getting There
Fort Tejon Park is 36 miles south of Bakersfield and 70 miles north of Los Angeles. Special discounts are offered for group tours and overnight use of the park’s campground. Call ahead for information.
Most park grounds are wheelchair accessible, including buildings, exhibits, visitor centers, and the interpretive trail around the historic park grounds. Fort Tejon is open daily from sunrise to sunset except on major holidays.
The visitor center and historic buildings are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fort Tejon park are 1.5 hours from Los Angeles, one hour from the San Fernando Valley, and two hours from Orange County.