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7 Fun Facts About Oroville
Oroville, California, United States
With deep Gold Rush roots and having been shaped (literally and figuratively) by a variety of waterways, Oroville in Northern California has an extensive and interesting history. Here are just a few fun facts about Oroville - go to ExploreButteCounty.com to learn more!
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The basalt mesa at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is what makes it a great spot for wildflowers.
2488 Cherokee Rd
Oroville, CA
The impermeable basalt (formed by lava) has fissures that soak up rain water, which allows wildflowers to thrive—and also creates beautiful vernal pools.
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Not just for water adventures, the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area has over 75 miles of mixed-use trails to explore.
Kelly Ridge Rd
Oroville, CA
Hikers, bikers, and equestrians can enjoy the trails that travel around the lake as well as along the Feather River.
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Completed in 1968, the Oroville Dam is the nation’s tallest dam, standing 770 feet high.
Oroville, CA
Its associated power generation units generate more than 2.8 billion kilowatt hours of power annually.
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The Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge was the first suspension bridge built west of the Mississippi.
Bidwell Canyon Rd
Oroville, CA
Today, the original Bidwell Bar Bridge—built in 1856—is a pedestrian bridge, while the new Bidwell Bar Bridge spans Highway 162 crossing Lake Oroville.
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Oroville was home to one of the largest Chinese populations during the Gold Rush.
1500 Broderick St
Oroville, CA
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
Closed
Wednesday:
12:00 – 2:00 PM
Thursday:
Closed
Friday:
Closed
Saturday:
12:00 – 2:00 PM
Sunday:
Closed
You can get a glimpse of their history and culture at the Oroville Chinese Temple, built by residents in 1863.
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The city was originally named “Ophir City,” but was later changed to Oroville (“oro” meaning “gold” in Spanish).
Oroville, California, United States
The name was changed in 1854 when the first post office was opened. The City of Oroville was officially incorporated in 1906.
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Oroville and its surrounding lands are the historic homes of the Concow (Konkow) Tribe, of the Northwestern Maidu.
These earliest residents migrated and settled on the Mooretown Ridge between the Middle Fork and the South Fork of the Feather River around 1500 BC.Today’s Concow-Maidu tribe members are their descendants