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flag  History of Butte County, California, USA

Journey back in time to Butte County, California, USA

Explore Butte County, California, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Butte County, California, USA - Butte County, California, USA - Middle Fork, Feather River, Near Oroville, California, Along the Western Pacific Railway

Butte County was established on February 18, 1850, as one of California's original 19 counties. It encompassed areas that now lie within Tehama, Plumas, Colusa, and Sutter counties.



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Butte County Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Butte County, California, USA - Middle Fork, Feather River, Near Oroville, California, Along the Western Pacific Railway
Butte County, California, USA

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Middle Fork, Feather River, Near Oroville, California, Along the Western Pacific Railway
Butte County, California, USA - Western Pacific R.R. Depot, Oroville, Cal.
Butte County, California, USA

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Western Pacific R.R. Depot, Oroville, Cal.
Butte County, California, USA - Myers Street, showing Exposition Building, Oroville, California

View of Myers Street, lined with
Butte County, California, USA

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Myers Street, showing Exposition Building, Oroville, California

View of Myers Street, lined with cars and the Oroville Exposition building in background. [front] Myers Street, showing Exposition Building, Oroville, California

Discover Butte County: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1869 - The editor of the Butte Cal., Recorder recently was present at a trial of the Locher Steam Plow.
Those present were much pleased with the performance. It plowed a strip twelve feet wide and 400 feet long in three minutes. Of course it is not to be expected that this rate could be maintained all day. It is designed to work the ground to a depth of six or seven inches and thoroughly pulverize it.
The Belvidere Standard
Belvidere, Illinois
May 25, 1869
1875 - The Butte (Cal.) Mercury tells of a band of sheep being brought down from the mountains and turned into a wheat field.
Over one hundred head died in one night from eating wheat and drinking water. The wheat swelled to such an extent that the stomach was completely torn apart.
Fayetteville Observer
Fayetteville, Tennessee
October 28, 1875
1888 - A Butte, Cal., man who began farming on rented land ten years ago has this year $61,000 worth of wheat to sell.

Semi-Weekly Interior Journal
Stanford, Kentucky
August 31, 1888
1895 - Butte County
Butte, bute, a county in the N. part of California. . It is bounded on the W. by the Sacramento River, and is drained by the Feather River and its North and Middle Forks. The surface is partly level and partly hilly and mountainous. A large portion of it is covered with pine forests. The soil is generally fertile and well watered. Wheat, barley, wool, and hay are the staple products. The prosperity of this county is derived chiefly from agriculture. The county is traversed from N.W. to S.E. by the Southern Pacific Railroad, a branch of which terminates at Oroville, the capital. Pop. in 1870, 11,403; in 1880, 18,721; in 1890, 17,939.
1904 - Geo. H. Cardiff of Butte, Cal., will bring his automobile with him when he comes to Santa Cruz this summer.

Evening Sentinel
Santa Cruz, California
May 23, 1904
1913 - CHILD RISES FROM COFFIN. Shock of Temporary Resuscitation Kills Aged Grandmother.
Butte, Ca., April 25. - While members of the family and relatives were grouped about the open coffin of Mrs. J. R. Burney's 3-year-old son yesterday listening to the funeral service, the body moved and presently the child, clad in its shroud, sat up and gazed about the room. His eyes caught those of his grandmother, Mrs. L. P. Smith, 81 years old. The aged woman stared at the child as if hypnotized. Then she sank into a chair dead.

As she fell the child dropped back into its coffin, from which it was quickly snatched by the mother.

A physician said there was no hope for the little boy, and death came a few hours later.

Today there were two coffins in the Burney home. Double services were held, and the child and its grandmother were buried side by side.
The Washington Post
Washington, District of Columbia
April 26, 1913
1916
Butte, a county in the N. part of California. Area, 1660 sq. m. It is bounded on the W. by the Sacramento River and Is drained by the Feather River and its North and Middle Forks. The mineral resources include gold, silver, platinum, etc. Capital, Oroville. Pop. in 1890, 17,939; in 1900, 17,117.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Butte County:
Bidwell Park:

This massive park in Chico is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. It offers hiking and biking trails, swimming holes, and beautiful picnic spots.

Chico State University Farm:

Explore the university farm to learn about sustainable agriculture. They often have events and tours that showcase their research and practices.

Oroville Dam:

Visit Oroville Dam, the tallest dam in the United States. The surrounding Lake Oroville State Recreation Area provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company:

If you're a beer enthusiast, don't miss a tour of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. They offer guided tours where you can learn about the brewing process and, of course, enjoy some tastings.

Table Mountain:

A geological wonder, Table Mountain offers incredible views of the Sacramento Valley. Hike the trails to see unique rock formations and wildflowers in the spring.

Chico Museum:

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Discover YOUR Roots: Butte County Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Butte County, California, USA

We currently have information about 4 ancestors who were born or died in Butte County.

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Ancestors Who Were Married in Butte County, California, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Butte County.

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Genealogy Resources for Butte County

Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Butte County

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California Dreamin' Ancestry Coffee Mug - Genealogy

Showcasing a witty caption that reads, "I'm from California! That explains a lot about my love for surfing at sunrise and wine tasting at sunset," this mug is designed to bring a smile to your face with every sip.

Lake Tahoe Shower Curtain - Crystal Clear Waters with Mark Twain Quote - Nature-Inspired Bathroom Décor

Transform your bathroom into a serene escape with this Lake Tahoe Shower Curtain, featuring the breathtaking crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and an inspiring quote from Mark Twain. Whether you want to relive your favorite Tahoe memories, bring the beauty of the lake inside your home, or add a stunning touch to your Lake Tahoe vacation rental, this shower curtain is the perfect addition to any nature lover’s space. Designed to complement a Lake Tahoe home, it enhances the ambiance with a refreshing, tranquil vibe that captures the lake’s timeless allure.

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug

Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
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Updated: 6/29/2024 8:50:14 AM