The Basque people originated in the Pyrenees Mountains, which straddle Northern Spain and Southern France. Their relative isolation allowed them to develop a distinct language and rich cultural heritage that involved a deep love of food and respect for tradition. During the Middle Ages, the Basque faced pressure from both the North and the South as Spanish Moors attempted to push into their lands from the South, and France moved to unify political power in the North. After Spain unified under a single monarchy (1469), the Basque faced even greater pressure in their attempts to maintain control of their homelands.

Many Basques partook in the conquest of the Americas, and especially California. In fact, one of the first Europeans to set foot in California was Basque explorer Andres de Urdaneta, who sailed for the Spanish in 1564. In 1776, the Spanish entered what would become Kern County, and the Iberian influence in the area persisted. In 1805, Basque explorer Gabriel Moraga helped chart the Central Valley and discovered and named the San Joaquin River, Modesto, and Sacramento.

As the Spanish built missions and political infrastructure in California, many of those positions were filled with prominent Basque religious and political leaders. In fact, in the state’s long history under Spanish and American control, five of the Golden State’s Lt. Governors have been Basque. For their efforts, the Basque were recognized and, at times, awarded land grants, such as the 1843 Land Grant of part of what would become Tejon Ranch in Southern California.

Basque people flocked to America’s Southwest and South America, seeking new opportunities. Many found jobs as sailors, ranchers, and sheep herders in the New World. Along with this migration, the Basque supported each other by opening boarding houses and hotels that catered to Basque clientele. Bakersfield, California, became a hot spot for Basque migration because of the available land and opportunities to be had as a sheepherder. The Noriega Hotel (opened in 1893) served as a bedrock of the Basque community and a waystation for recent Basque migrants to Bakersfield. Many Basques arrived via train to the region with little more than the instruction “Noriega Hotel – Bakersfield, California” pinned to their jackets.

In Bakersfield, the Basque community thrived. In 1899, Basque immigrants opened the Pyrenees Café, followed by Wool Growers in 1954. More recently, Benji’s (an instant Bakersfield favorite) opened its doors in 1986. Basque meals are known for their well-cooked meats, stews, and dairy products. Aside from the cuisine, Basque food is known to be served family style, where wayward travelers are encouraged to break bread and enjoy each other’s company as they share a memorable meal.

-Written by Jennifer Grohol, History Professor - Bakersfield College