Chico History...
From
small pioneer town to thriving small city.
Chico
History,
like most of the North Valley starts with the Maidu Indians, who were
the original population here. They were mostly wiped out in
epidemics of diseases brought over by the first European settlers in
1832. General John Bidwell came to California in 1843 as a member of a wagon train to stake his claim and search for gold, becoming one of the first miners to find gold on the Feather River.
He established Rancho Del Arroyo in 1849 on 28,000 acres of land with his new found riches.
John and Annie planned the original town which was Founded in
1860, and Incorporated in 1872.
They were married in 1868.
General Bidwell granted land generously to anyone who was willing to build any public infrastructure which would enhance the quality of life in his newly founded town.
In 1887 he donated the land for a new State Teachers College (Chico Normal School, which eventually became CSU Chico), in order to ensure that the school would be built in this area.
In 1905, (5 years after John's death) Annie Bidwell donated over 1900 acres of land to the city for a public park, which has been expanded over the years through acquisitions by the city into the 3,670 acre Bidwell Park. Now one of the largest municipal parks in the nation.
Chico history includes more than 20 motion pictures filmed
here.
Some of them timeless Classics, and some independent
films as
well.
There are 13 buildings listed in the National Register of Historical Places.
One of which is, of course, Bidwell Mansion.
But there are many more beautiful old buildings here as well, including the recently refurbished Hotel Diamond, which dates back to 1904
The Chico Museum is Housed in the original 1905 Chico (Carnegie) Public Library building.
Today, very few people come here for the gold…
But many who come for an education never leave.
Or leave, and just have to return.
Get
to know Chico a little better, it grows on you,
Philip
Kustner
Head for the top of A Brief Chico History
