BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The City of Bakersfield is celebrating 123 years since its incorporation.

On Jan. 11, 1898, the City of Bakersfield was incorporated, with a population of around 4,000 people.

Nearly a century and a quarter later, Bakersfield is now the ninth-largest City in California with almost 400,000 people calling the City home.

The California Department of Finance last year reported Bakersfield grew by 1.4 % (5,500 people) from the year before, the most growth among the state's 10 largest cities.

Many may not know that Bakersfield had incorporated once before.

Bakersfield was first incorporated in 1873 but voters decided to dis-incorporate in 1876. It would not be for another 22 years until Bakersfield incorporated for a second time, this time on January 11, 1898.

Happy birthday, Bakersfield.