“We left here at half past four intending to go as far as Bidwell Bar. We passed on a bridge which crosses a pond made by damming a stream for the purpose of running (a) sawmill which is situated here” – James Woodworth, Aug. 19, . . . — — Map (db m61682) HM
The Berry Creek Cemetery, sometimes referred to as the Lake Madrone Cemetery by local residents, served as a community graveyard for many years. The earliest known date of death for a person interred here is 1875. The cemetery fell into disrepair in . . . — — Map (db m61683) HM
On Centerville Road south of Pasa Way, on the right when traveling south.
Main Marker:
Burials here date back to the early 1860’s but it was 1900 before the first cemetery association purchased the land from Theodore Willrich and started keeping records. In 1958 a few residents re-formed the organization which . . . — — Map (db m29709) HM
On Centerville Road north of North Humbug Road, on the right when traveling north.
Erected in 1894 by C.H. Hintz this building was used continuously for school purposes until 1966 when due to unification, pupils were bussed into Chico. The first teacher was Miss Ada Woods. Cost of building was $600.Purchased by Centerville . . . — — Map (db m29692) HM
Erected by Halleck Post No. 19 G.A.R. & W.R.C.
In Memory of Our Comrades
1861 – 1865
In honor of the brave men who from the first bore a loyal part in the Great Civil War.
These heros are dead
They died for liberty
They . . . — — Map (db m29659) HM
In 1888, the State Board of Forestry established an experimental forestry station and nursery, a companion to the Santa Monica Station established in 1887. The two were the first such stations in the nation. Exotic and native trees were tested and . . . — — Map (db m100602) HM
In Memory of Our
Honored Dead of
The World War
1917 – 1918
William H. Aitken • Wyatt L. Arbuckle • Edwin W. Boggs • Russell C. Doyle • Harry A. Elliott • Elbert P. Esmond • Edward N. Fairo • Nelson Coe • Aaron S. Harris • . . . — — Map (db m29758) HM
On Highway 32 at Gianella Road, on the right when traveling east on Highway 32.
Built cooperatively by Butte and Glenn Counties, 1908-1911. Designed by John B. Leonard (1864-1945), civil engineer, San Francisco. Built by Cotton Bros. and Co. Oakland. Recorded for the Historic American Engineering Record, 1984. Replaced and . . . — — Map (db m62233) HM
On Honey Run Road at Centerville Road, on the right when traveling north on Honey Run Road. Reported permanently removed.
Honey Run Bridge
Erected
1894
By George Miller
Gold Dredge
The first bucket line gold dredge to operate below the covered bridge used this tumbler – 1898. — — Map (db m29682) HM
The massive and majestic Hooker Oak, which occupied this site, was named in honor of renowned British Botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker. The Hooker Oak was acclaimed to be the largest Valley Oak in the world before it fell on May 1, 1977.
Age . . . — — Map (db m100595) HM
A vast expanse covering 26,000 acres, Rancho Chico was purchased in 1849-50 by John Bidwell. In 1865 he began construction of the mansion nearby, which in time became the social and cultural center of the upper Sacramento Valley. It was through . . . — — Map (db m230785) HM
Completed in 1868, the home featured many surprisingly modern conveniences including running water, flush toilets, an acetylene gas lighting system, eight fireplaces, and wall-to-wall carpeting. The pink stucco mansion was designed by San . . . — — Map (db m29644) HM
John Bidwell was born on the east coast to a poor farming family in 1819. In spite of these modest roots, he would eventually become a key figure in California history, one famous for being a true pioneer, a statesman, politician, prohibitionist, . . . — — Map (db m29637) HM
On Mangrove Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
To the United States
52 Submarines and
And Their Gallant Crews
Who Sacrificed Their
Lives In World War II
“Lest We Forget These
Boats on Eternal Patrol”
Sealion • S · 36 • S · 26 • Shark • Perch • S · 27 • S · . . . — — Map (db m29738) HM
On Yankee Hill Road, on the right when traveling north.
This is the area of the original historic site of Old Yankee Hill. It was first founded as a gold mining town, having in later years a hotel, general store, Wells Fargo post office, saloon and a winery.
Yankee Hill was purchased by the Smiths in . . . — — Map (db m116614) HM
Born in Bucks County Pennsylvania, Neal a blacksmith by trade came to California with John Fremont’s second expedition in 1844. After working for John Sutter briefly at New Helvetia, obtained a land grant and established Rancho Esquon. After . . . — — Map (db m61826) HM
On Black Bart Road at Sandra Lane on Black Bart Road.
Attacked La Port [sic] – Oroville stage here, July 13, 1888. Frank N. Morse, driver, was repulsed by George Hackett, armed messenger for Wells Fargo Express. Twenty eight stage hold-ups in California 1875-1883 are credited to Black . . . — — Map (db m134505) HM
St. Louis No. 86, Polar Star No. 90
Jefferson No. 97, Gibsonville No. 151
consolidate with
Forbestown Lodge No. 50 F.& A.M.
chartered May 3, 1854
The slab below relic of
St. Louis Lodges, St. Louis, Sierra County, California . . . — — Map (db m61684) HM
On Deer Creek Highway (California Route 32) at 14 Mile House Drive on Deer Creek Highway.
In June, 1864, the Chico and Humboldt Wagon Road Company began to construct a road to connect Chico with the Idaho mines. A toll station for the Chico and Humboldt Wagon Road stood nearby to the left.
A Georgian, Nick Spires, is said to have . . . — — Map (db m61766) HM
On Humboldt Road at Butte Creek Flat (Summit) Road on Humboldt Road.
On this site the remains of Katie Thompson, Mattie Thompson, and Josie Campbell were laid to rest. The children, were the grandchildren of Joseph Campbell, and all died of Scarlett Fever in 1877. Joseph Campbell was a prominent pioneer in this area . . . — — Map (db m61767) HM
Near Old Skyway Road near Old Depot Road. Reported missing.
In 1902, Diamond Match Co., established the Butte Co. Railroad. The So PAC tracks ran between Chico, Durham, and Stirling City. Regular train service between Chico and Magalia began Nov. 2, 1903. Magalia depot was completed soon thereafter. April 8, . . . — — Map (db m61223) HM
Named for George Lovelock, born in Wales in 1824, emigrated to California in 1850. George Lovelock settled in Butte County in 1851 and began a successful business in Butte Creek Canyon before moving not far from this present site to establish a . . . — — Map (db m61685) HM
[ Upper Marker ]
This property
Magalia
Community Church
Has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
By the United States
Department of the Interior
[ Lower Marker ]
The Magalia . . . — — Map (db m29609) HM
On Old Skyway Road 0.3 miles north of Pentz-Magalia Road, on the right when traveling east.
This marker symbolizes the discovery of the first large gold nugget in California. It was found across this canyon in Willard Gulch April 12, 1859. Weight 54 pounds. — — Map (db m29663) HM
On Messilla Valley Road, on the right when traveling north.
The Oregon School District was formed in 1856 and the schoolhouse stood near Dry Creek behind the old Pence Hotel. In 1872 the schoolhouse was relocated and rebuilt behind the existing corrals south of present day Durhan-Pentz Road. Following the . . . — — Map (db m65869) HM
For centuries, acorns have been a major food source for many California Indian groups. Nutritious and easy to store, processed acorns could be served as soup, mixed with fruit or meat, or baked into a cake.
1. In autumn, Indian people filled . . . — — Map (db m61559) HM
Near Bryant Ravine Road (Forest Road 21N35Y) 1.6 miles north of Lumpkin Road when traveling north.
Bald Rock Dome was formed from a large body of melted rocks (called the Bald Rock Pluton) deep in the earth's crust. The Bald Rock Pluton is two miles wide, and was formed approximately 140 million years ago. As the pluton cooled, parts of its . . . — — Map (db m146208) HM
Originally constructed on a site one and a half miles northeast of this location in 1856
Rededicated on July 30, 1977
on this Kelly Ridge site
to avoid inundation by the waters of
Oroville Reservoir
State of California - Edmund G. . . . — — Map (db m61597) HM
Erected by Argonaut Parlor No. 8 Native Sons of the Golden West and Butte County Board of Supervisors, to designate the site of the second county seat of Butte County - Bidwell's Bar 1853 – 1856.
Site of the Court House was 120 yds. west of this . . . — — Map (db m100598) HM
On Foothill Boulevard near Oro-Bangor Highway/Foothill Boulevard, on the left when traveling north.
In memory of
James D. Braselton
his wife
Anna C. Braselton
and their family
The erection of this historical monument
marking the site of their home here at
Garden Ranch built in 1887 and the
Braselton Room in the Oroville . . . — — Map (db m69789) HM
On Cherokee Road 1.5 miles east of North General Sherman Way, on the left when traveling north.
Led from Indian Territory by their New England schoolmaster, a band of young Cherokee Argonauts discovered gold here 1850. Town established 1853 when first stores erected by Welsh miners. During heyday of 1875, Cherokee boasted its own theatre, race . . . — — Map (db m234) HM
On Broderick Street, on the right when traveling east.
Dedicated in the spring of 1863, this building served as a temple of worship for 10,000 Chinese then living here. Funds for its erection and furnishings were provided by the Emperor and Empress of China and local Chinese labor built the structure. . . . — — Map (db m100599) HM
On Myers Street (Business California Route 70) at Kitrick Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Myers Street.
To Commemorate completion of 4th Railroad in California – Marysville to Oroville, by California Northern Railroad, later the Southern Pacific Co. 1st passenger train February 9 – 1864. Also marks site of Middletown 1854 – 1856. — — Map (db m190381) HM
On Oroville Dam Boulevard West, on the left when traveling west.
It is not how this officer died that makes him a hero, it is how he lived.
Deputy Sheriff Randal Eugene Jennings
Badge No. 80
Butte County Sheriff’s Office
On May 21, 1997 Deputy Randy Jennings became the first Butte County Sheriff’s . . . — — Map (db m65841) HM
Edison Ore Mining & Miocene Mining Co. Oct. 1879 to May 1881 by Major Frank McLaughlin searched for platinum to use in Edison’s electric light globe. Used a process to remove gold from black sands found in mine tailings.
Miocene Mining Co. . . . — — Map (db m61556) HM
On Myers Street at Mongomery Street, on the right when traveling north on Myers Street.
This tablet commemorates
the establishment
of the
First Banking Institution
in
Ophir
now
Oroville
which was located on this site
and occupied by
McWilliams & Tymeson -
G.A. Emery - Geo. Faulkner & Co. 1855-1865 . . . — — Map (db m25694) HM
On Huntoon Street at Miner's Alley, on the left when traveling north on Huntoon Street.
In 1911, Lawrence Gardella, an Oroville native and successful dredge operator, built this commercial structure to replace the historic Gem Saloon as part of Oroville’s prohibition movement, which was one of the finest in its day. The first floor . . . — — Map (db m219769) HM
On Huntoon Street at Miner's Alley on Huntoon Street.
In 1888, James C. Gray purchased Brock and Tabor Hardware at 1950 Montgomery Street. That purchase included the lot you are standing on now. In 1898 Gray built a 50‘ by 100‘ building to house Ophir Hardware. The original building was a single story, . . . — — Map (db m176229) HM
On Bird Street near Downer Street, on the right when traveling west.
Construction of the Oroville Inn commenced in 1929 and was halted due to the Great Depression. Two hundred local residents, in an impressive display of community, came together to complete the Inn which opened June 1, 1930. They became shareholders . . . — — Map (db m176288) HM
On Feather River Boulevard, on the right when traveling south.
Thousands of Jewish emigrants escaping religious persecution and economic oppression in Germany and Eastern Europe joined the Gold Rush to California.
They brought with them a strong work ethic and religious conviction. These settlers were . . . — — Map (db m61497) HM
In 1767, when our yet to be united nation felt the stirrings of revolution, freedom-loving colonists carved and erected the first “Liberty Pole”. It served as a rallying point for those who opposed the British imposed Stamp Act. . . . — — Map (db m65843) HM
Site of Gold Rush settlements Long’s Bar, Adamstown, White Rock, and nearby Banner Mine. Sam Neal discovered gold here in 1848. First Christian and Masonic observances in Butte County held here 1849. First county ferry franchise, 1850. — — Map (db m113876) HM
On Oregon Gulch Road, on the right when traveling east.
The one room school built here in 1863 survived mining booms and busts, world wars and a great depression only to have social changes close its doors forever in 1949. It is with sincere gratitude that we donate this marker for opportunities provided . . . — — Map (db m61705) HM
Near Glenn Drive south of Meadowview Drive, on the right when traveling south.
Judge Joseph Lewis planted this Mediterranean Sweet Orange seedling near the toll bridge at Bidwell’s Bar, Butte County, California in 1856. It has survived hard times and is the oldest living orange tree in California. “From its example and . . . — — Map (db m143395) HM
Near Bryant Ravine Road (Forest Road 21N35Y) 1.6 miles north of Lumpkin Road when traveling north.
As you rest under the shade of this oak tree, you may notice several bowl shaped depressions in the rocks. These depressions, called mortars, were created over the last 2000 years by Maidu Indians. Each mortar was created for a specific purpose, . . . — — Map (db m146228) HM
Imported from Mazatlan, Mexico, the Mother Orange Tree was purchased on the streets of Sacramento when it was only a 2 to 3 year-old seedling in a tub. She was planted in 1856 and quickly grew into a California legend. The leafy greens of her robust . . . — — Map (db m62787) HM
On Oregon Gulch Road at Oregon City Trail, on the left when traveling south on Oregon Gulch Road.
Entering California over the Applegate and Lassen trails, a party of Oregonians, captained by Peter H. Burnett, arrived here in autumn of 1848 to establish the town of Oregon City. Burnett, little more than a year later, became the first civil . . . — — Map (db m100600) HM
In 1864 the Strang family moved to Oregon City. The institution date of the Oregon City Cemetery is unknown, the oldest grave is believed to be August 16, 1878. William H. Strang granted to the inhabitants of Oregon City and vicinity this piece of . . . — — Map (db m61706) HM
On Montgomery Street at Oak Street, on the right when traveling east on Montgomery Street.
Oroville Carnegie Library, built 1912, has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
In 1911, Andrew Carnegie, Scottish industrialist, businessman, and major philanthropist, . . . — — Map (db m17229) HM
On Feather River Boulevard, on the left when traveling south.
Established in 1857 to replace the cemetery which served the original gold camp of Ophir City, remains from that graveyard were removed when the area now known as Hewitt Claim Park was mined thus forcing the relocation of the cemetery. This burial . . . — — Map (db m61495) HM
On Feather River Boulevard at Gold Dredge, on the right when traveling south on Feather River Boulevard.
This cemetery was established in 1850 during the Gold Rush days to serve the Chinese communities of Lava Beds, Bagdad, Bidwell Bar and Ophir City (now Oroville). The last burial here was in 1944. — — Map (db m61494) HM
On Brad Freeman Trail, on the right when traveling south.
In deep appreciation of those who had the foresight to plan, design, and construct the Oroville Dam Project and to those who have been operating and maintaining it for the State Water Project and the people of California.
Since its . . . — — Map (db m101447) HM
SESQUICENTENNIAL TESTAMENT
On the 8th day of May
In the year 2006
AL 6006
Oroville Lodge No. 103 F.&A.M.
In the State of California
Did celebrate 150 years
In Oroville, California
Dispensation: April 4, 1856
Chartered: May 8, . . . — — Map (db m17781) HM
The City of Oroville
built the
Oroville Municipal Airport
in 1933 and it
proudly served as a
WW II Training Base
Mural circa 1942
Dedicated 1996 — — Map (db m61601) HM
On Myers Street at Robinson Street on Myers Street.
Oroville State Theatre
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United State
Department of the Interior
Built 1928 — — Map (db m61555) HM
A memorial to those whose burial places in
Bidwell Bar Cemetery
Enterprise Cemetery
And six family plots
were moved to make way for the rising waters of
Oroville Reservoir — — Map (db m69793) HM
In Veneration of the
Early Day Pioneer Miners
Of Thompson Flat District
This historical monument and area marks their burial site dating from 1849 to about 1880. Names unknown.
Dedicated November 12, 1972
by
The Cemetery Board of . . . — — Map (db m69791) HM
Near Montgomery Street, on the left when traveling east.
"Site of 1st Sawmill
Erected by Argonaut Parlor No. 8 Native Sons and Gold of Ophir Parlor No. 190 Native Daughters, commemorating the Bicentennial Year 1776 – 1976” — — Map (db m61558) HM
On Montgomery Street at Myers Street, on the left when traveling east on Montgomery Street.
Built 1855
Restored 1976 by
Aerie No. 196 – Fraternal
Order of Eagles, Oroville
(Seal of the American Revolution Bicentennial 1776-1976) — — Map (db m65907) HM
On Montgomery Street near Myers Street, on the left when traveling east.
McWilliams & Tymeson
1855
Wells Fargo & Company
Express Agents
First Brick Bldg in Oroville
Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 196
(Seal of the American Revolution Bicentennial 1776-1976) — — Map (db m65906) HM
On Montgomery Street (Business California Route 70), on the right when traveling west.
“Site of first flour mill in Ophir City now Oroville, built in 1858. Erected and dedicated by Argonaut Parlor No. 8 Native Sons and Gold of Ophir Parlor No. 190 Native Daughters as part of the Bicentennial Year Celebration 1776 – . . . — — Map (db m65842) HM
On Oroville-Quincy Highway at Oak Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Oroville-Quincy Highway.
For thousands of years the Yahi Indians roamed the foothills between Mt. Lassen and the Sacramento Valley. Settlement of this region by the white man brought death to the Yahi by gun, by disease, and by hunger. By the turn of the century only a few . . . — — Map (db m100601) HM
To commemorate The Mother Orange Tree of Butte County planted at this spot by Judge Joseph Lewis in 1856.
The Bidwell Bar Bridge, first suspension bridge of California, transported from New York via Cape Horn 1853. Completed 1856. . . . — — Map (db m100596) HM
Mining settlement named for
Benjamin Nelson
who discovered gold here in 1850.
Town was on both sides of W. Branch
of N. Fork of Feather River. — — Map (db m113875) HM
On Clark Road at Elliott Road, on the right when traveling north on Clark Road.
On these 4 corners was the Old Town of Paradise, known in the 1860’s as Leonard’s Mill. Just north was the mill, hotel and stage stop. To the N.E. was a turpentine distillery. To the east was the school. The Paradise post office was established and . . . — — Map (db m66140) HM
On Black Olive Drive north of Pearson Road, on the right when traveling north.
Constructed in 1903, this depot is one of three maintained along the Butte County Railroad, a 31 mile line from Chico to Stirling City, completed by Diamond Match Co. in 1904. The railroad was later acquired by Southern Pacific and operated as a . . . — — Map (db m29671) HM
On Pearson Road near Mallan Lane, on the right when traveling east.
There are four sides to this marker, a plaque on each side. Side 2
1852 – 1886
Eugene F. Kunkle • Durville Bequette • Charles Deleplain • Hinrich Buschmann • John Wake • Benjamin F. Butler • William Leonard • Willaim Dresser • . . . — — Map (db m66139) HM
The rail yard housed the depot, a water tank, a stockyard, as well as a siding and spur. A motorcar house was located further up the track. The depot was retired on January 19, 1960.
The coming of the railroad was the major event that sparked . . . — — Map (db m29674) HM
On Skyway Highway, on the left when traveling north on Skyway Highway.
Editor's Note: All the "E's" on this marker are backwards
The historic inn, first built in 1857 by Pat Kelley sold to John Stokes in 1866.
Destroyed by fire in 1868. Rebuilt in 1868, is the only remaining one of five hotels which . . . — — Map (db m61765) HM
This peaceful community, gateway to the remote regions of the High Lakes of Butte and Plumas Counties, owes its origin and subsequent development to the entrance of the Diamond Match Company to California. With the purchase of about 40,000 acres of . . . — — Map (db m61764) HM
Near Larkin Road at East Hamilton Road, on the left when traveling south.
Erected by
Argonaut Parlor No. 8
Native Sons of the Golden West
and
Butte County Board of Supervisors
to designate the site of the first
county seat of Butte County.
Hamilton
1851 – 1853
Site of Court House was 600 yds. . . . — — Map (db m95740) HM
On Foothill Boulevard 0.2 miles Dunstone Drive, on the right when traveling south.
Built in 1899 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, it sits on the Beckwourth Trail. It was donated to the Wyandotte Community Association and named after the pioneer of the Wyandotte area, William Dunstone. In 2016, it became the home of Argonaut . . . — — Map (db m159622) HM
On Fifth Street at Gail Avenue / Laurel Street, in the median on Fifth Street.
In 1859 Tacitus Ryland Arbuckle located a homestead in the Sacramento Valley, and in 1875 had the land plotted for a town site. The legendary Arbuckle founded the town, deeded the lots, furnished the nails, and helped build the first houses in what . . . — — Map (db m54548) HM
On Main Street 0.1 miles south of Tule Road, on the left when traveling south.
College City is the site of the Pierce Christian College established in 1874 through the generosity of Andrew Pierce, founder of both the town and the college. The college provided Christian education for the young people of the area until the . . . — — Map (db m41810) HM
This house, also called the Tin House because of its pressed metal siding has a symmetrical façade that is suggestive of a Colonial Revival influence. In the 1890’s a flour mill was located on this site but eventually closed because of continued . . . — — Map (db m72987) HM
Center section of the former Colusa Bridge across the Sacramento River at the end of Bridge Street. Constructed 1899-1901 and replaced 1979-80. Nominated for inclusion on Federal Register 1978. — — Map (db m63416) HM
Erected in 1861, this Federal/Classic Revival style building is the oldest remaining courthouse in the Sacramento Valley. The “Southern” style reflects the county’s heritage from the Ante-Bellum South and states-rights sympathies during . . . — — Map (db m57626) HM
Near 10th Street, on the right when traveling north.
Lower Marker
Colusa Union High School
Has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
By the United States
Department of the Interior
Built 1926
Upper Marker:
Colusa
Union High School . . . — — Map (db m18139) HM
On Main Street east of 8th Street, on the right when traveling east.
In the 1850s, Chinese came to California, a land they called Gum Shan, meaning Mountain of Gold, for the same reason as other nationalities: to seek their fortune. As the placer gold played out, Chinese took jobs building railroads, dams, levees, . . . — — Map (db m54986) HM
On E Street (California Route 20) at 7th Street, on the right when traveling east on E Street.
On this site in 1877 the Williams Hotel was constructed, at a cost of $40,000 by William H. Williams. The hotel, with its 150-seat restaurant, bar, and nine businesses, was a welcome respite for weary train and stage travelers. Among the names found . . . — — Map (db m248643) HM
The property upon which this house sits has been owned by several notable California pioneers including John Bidwell and Charles D. Semple. It is unknown who built this house and exactly when. It is known however that the first resident of the house . . . — — Map (db m118596) HM
