Historical Marker

Simpson Bridge Memorial

Historical marker location:
Orland, California
( Marker can be reached from Route 206,, 4 miles west of Newville Road (Route 200), on the right when traveling west.)

bridges
California was once a part of Mexico before it became a U.S. state. Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821 and California became a Mexican territory. However, in 1846, the U.S. declared war on Mexico and after a brief conflict, California was ceded to the U.S. as a part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.
California random facts
Glenn County is located in the northern part of the Central Valley of California. The area was originally home to Native American tribes such as the Wintun, Nomlaki, and Patwin. The first European settlers arrived in the 1840s, with the California Gold Rush bringing an influx of miners and settlers to the region.

In 1891, Glenn County was officially established. It was named after Dr. Hugh J. Glenn, a prominent California politician and businessman. The county's economy initially relied heavily on agriculture, particularly wheat farming. The fertile soil of the Central Valley allowed Glenn County to become a major wheat producer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

As the agricultural industry grew, so did the county's population. Communities like Willows and Orland became established, with businesses and infrastructure supporting the needs of the farming community. In the early 20th century, the introduction of irrigation and the expansion of crops such as almonds and rice further diversified the county's agriculture.

Throughout its history, Glenn County has faced challenges such as droughts, economic fluctuations, and changing agricultural practices. However, the county remains a significant agricultural region, known for its production of crops like rice, almonds, walnuts, and prunes. Glenn County also offers natural beauty, with parts of Mendocino National Forest and State Waterfowl Refuge located within its borders, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Glenn County, California.

  • 1843: The first European settlers arrive in the area that is now Glenn County.
  • 1844: John Bidwell explores the region and names several landmarks.
  • 1846: The Mexican-American War begins, and California comes under U.S. control.
  • 1848: The Gold Rush starts, attracting thousands of people to California.
  • 1850: California becomes a state, and the region is part of Colusi County.
  • 1856: The area is officially designated as part of the Colusi County township system.
  • 1861: The California State Legislature creates Glenn County, named after Dr. Hugh J. Glenn.
  • 1891: Orland becomes the county seat, replacing Willows.
  • 1903: The first railroad line, the Sacramento Northern Railroad, is completed in Willows.
  • 1924: The Bureau of Reclamation completes the Stony Gorge Dam and forms Stony Gorge Reservoir.
  • 1965: Thunderhill Raceway Park opens as a motorsports venue.
  • 1983: The Glenn Research Center is established by NASA in partnership with the county.