Woody (formerly, Weringdale)[4] is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, in the United States.[2] It is located in the foothills of the Greenhorn Mountains, 25 miles (40 km) north-northeast of Bakersfield[4] at an elevation of 2,251 feet (686 m).[2]
Woody was named after Sparrell Walter Woody, who homesteaded with his wife at the foot of Blue Mountain in 1862.[4] The Woody School District was founded in 1873 and a post office opened in 1889.[4] Copper was discovered near Woody in 1891 by Joseph Weringer, who founded the Greenback Mine and built the nine-room Weringdale Hotel. Quartz gold was found on Blue Mountain in 1894, and the population of the town, then known as Weringdale, grew to over a hundred. By the time the townsite was subdivided by Weringer in 1909, the community's name had reverted to Woody.[4]
A small ranch town, the total population of Woody has changed little since the mid-1890s. The post office, fire department, and Blue Mountain Graveyard are situated on the outskirts of town. There is also an elementary school and a community hall where the Woody residents have gatherings and events. There used to be a restaurant/ bar in Woody, but financial problems caused it to close.[citation needed]
A local legend states that the outlaw Joaquin Murrieta once had a cave/hideout in the area that he used while on the run.[citation needed]
Just outside of Woody is California Historical Landmark number 589, the Mountain House Station. The spot was a Butterfield Overland Mail Stagecoach stop and station from 1858 to 1861. The location of the Mountain House station was on Dry Creek, on Bakersfield-Glenville Roads about 6.3 miles from Woody.[5]
Woody first appeared as a census designated place in the 2020 U.S. Census.[23]