Haggard House

In 1935, James and Flossie Haggard bought a Santa Fe Railroad refrigerator car on property at 1303 Yosemite Drive from Marianna Bohna for $500.00. After modifying the former railroad car and constructing two additions, James and Flossie moved into their new home in Oildale with their two children, Lillian and Lowell. The converted railroad car was intended to be a temporary home while they built a larger permanent house, but after their son Merle was born on April 6, 1937, those plans changed. Merle Haggard grew up to become one of country music's most famous singers and songwriters, with 40 songs reaching number one on the music charts. He helped define a style of music known as the Bakersfield Sound and had a lasting influence on American music.

Bakersfield, California · United States