Taft is a city located in Kern County, California. The city was founded in the early 1900s as a tent city for oil workers during the oil boom in the region. It was named after President William Howard Taft, who was in office at the time. The discovery of oil in the area led to a rapid growth in population and the development of the city.
One notable resident of Taft is country music singer Merle Haggard, who grew up in the city. Haggard's childhood home is now a museum dedicated to his life and music.
Taft's population has fluctuated over the years, with a peak population of over 9,000 in the 1980s. The city's population has since decreased, with around 9,000 residents currently living in Taft.
Taft is located in the San Joaquin Valley, surrounded by oil fields and agricultural land. The city is situated near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
The economy of Taft is largely dependent on the oil industry, with several oil drilling companies operating in the area. Agriculture also plays a significant role in the local economy, with crops such as almonds, citrus fruits, and grapes being grown in the region.
Taft has a rich cultural history, with a strong connection to the oil industry and country music. The city hosts annual events such as the Oildorado Days festival, which celebrates the city's oil heritage.