Butte County, California

14 Mile House 1879 Site of Messilla Valley School Autumn Harvest Bald Rock Dome Beckwourth Trail – Berry Creek Bidwell Bar Bridge and Tollhouse Bidwell's Bar Black Bart, the PO8 Braselton Home Site Butte County Court House at Oroville Butte County Courthouse Bricks Centerville Cemetery Centerville School Cherokee Chico Cemetery G.A.R. Monument Chico Elks Lodge No. 423 Veterans Memorial Chico Forestry Station and Nursery Chico World War I Memorial Chinese Temple Completion of 4th Railroad in California County Community Well Deputy Sheriff Randal Eugene Jennings Dogtown Dunstone Memorial Hall Edison Building First Banking Institution in Ophir First Liberty Pole In The West First Pharmacy Forbestown Lodge No. 50 F.& A.M General John and Annie K. Bidwell Gravesite Gianella Bridge Gray Nurse Hardware Hamilton Historic Oroville Inn Hooker Oak Inskip Hotel Jewish Cemetery Katie Thompson – Mattie Thompson – Josie Campbell Lake Madrone Cemetery Liberty Pole Long's Bar Lovelock Magalia Community Church / The Magalia Schoolhouse Bell Morris Ravine School Mother Orange Tree of Butte County Native Food Preparation Nelsons Bar Northern California's Oldest Citrus Tree Old Paradise Old Paradise Depot Oregon City Oregon City Cemetery Oroville Carnegie Library Oroville Cemetery Oroville Chinese Cemetery Oroville Dam Oroville Masonic Temple Oroville Municipal Airport Oroville State Theatre Paradise Pioneers Paradise Veterans Memorial PFC. Steven J. Walberg-Riotto Pioneer Cemetery Pioneer Miners Of Thompson Flat District Rancho Del Arroyo Chico Samuel Neal Site of 1st Sawmill Site of Boehme & Heep Saloon Site of First Oroville Bank Site of the First Flour Mill Stirling City The American The Dogtown Nugget The Historic Home of Annie and John Bidwell The Last Yahi Indian The Life and Times of John Bidwell The Mother Orange Tree of Butte County Town of Paradise Memorial Trailway United States Submarine Crews Memorial W.W. Durham House Yankee Hill “Magalia Depot & Butte County Railroad”
Butte County, located in Northern California, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Maidu and Konkow people. These tribes thrived in the fertile valleys and lush forests of the region, relying on hunting, gathering, and trading to sustain their communities.

In the mid-19th century, the California Gold Rush brought a wave of settlers and prospectors to Butte County. In 1849, gold was discovered along the Feather River, leading to a rapid influx of people seeking their fortunes. The town of Bidwell's Bar was established as one of the first mining camps in the area, attracting thousands of miners in search of gold. Other mining communities, such as Oroville and Cherokee, also emerged during this time.

As mining declined in the late 1800s, agriculture became the backbone of Butte County's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for growing crops such as almonds, olives, and citrus. The establishment of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s further facilitated agricultural growth, as it provided a means to transport goods to markets throughout California and beyond.

Butte County has faced various challenges throughout its history. In 2018, the Camp Fire, one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California's history, devastated the county, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. However, the community has shown resilience, coming together to support one another in the recovery and rebuilding process.

Today, Butte County is home to a vibrant mix of industries, including agriculture, education, healthcare, and tourism. With its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community, the county continues to thrive while preserving its rich historical heritage.
Brief timeline of the history of Butte County, California:

  • 1850: Butte County is established on February 18 as one of the original counties of California.
  • 1857: The town of Oroville is incorporated on January 3.
  • 1862: The Bidwell Bar Bridge, the first suspension bridge in California, is completed over the Feather River.
  • 1904: The Western Pacific Railroad reaches Oroville, linking the county to national railroad networks.
  • 1968: The Oroville Dam, the tallest dam in the United States, is completed on the Feather River.
  • 1987: The Honey Run Covered Bridge, a historic wooden covered bridge, is destroyed in a fire.
  • 2018: The Camp Fire, the most destructive wildfire in California's history, devastates parts of Butte County.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Butte County, California.

Audiobooks about the history of California.