Known for its Sod Farms and Horse Ranches, Cummings Valley was first seen by George Cummings in the mid 1800's while on a cattle drive enroute to the Gold Mines.  The area was so beautiful, he later returned to purchase property in this valley now named after him.

In 1936, the California Institute for Women at Tehachapi was dedicated on land in Cummings Valley.  Following the big earthquake of 1952, the women were relocated to another location.  After reconstruction, the facility became the California Correctional Institute for Men (CCI).  Today, it is actually five prisons in the same location.  With a staff of approximately 1700 positions overseeing 5800 inmates, CCI is the largest employer in the Tehachapi area.   

Two antelope herds have recently been introduced into the Tehachapi area.  One herd roams the Zond Wind Farm.  The other is located in Cummings Valley making its home on the ranch previously owned by movie actor Jack Palance.

Situated between Tehachapi and Stallion Springs, Cummings Valley is encircled by oak and pine-covered mountains just fifteen miles west of Tehachapi.