The City of Chico was founded in 1860 by General John Bidwell, and incorporated in 1872 with a population of approximately 1,000 persons in an area of 6.6 square miles. The City of Chico, with recent annexations, has grown to over a 30.78 square mile Charter city of 84,396 with an urbanized, unincorporated area immediately adjacent to it making the total population of the Chico urban area 105,080. Chico is located in the Northern Sacramento Valley of California approximately ninety miles north of Sacramento, in Butte County, east of Interstate 5.
Chico maintains an historic downtown, a wide variety of services, and family oriented neighborhoods. Chico is known as a well-managed city that values quality infrastructure and services, and maintains a special sense of community and small-town living as it has developed into a vibrant regional center for business, recreation and cultural activities.
Bidwell Park is "divided" by Manzanita Avenue. The area west of Manzanita Avenue is referred to as Lower Park and the area to the east is referred to as Upper Park. The noticeable difference between Upper and Lower Park is the terrain. Upper Park is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has steep terrain and contains many rock formations, including the unique Chico Formation sandstone and Lovejoy Basalt rocks. Lower Park is flat and level with a thick canopy of trees which provide ample shade for the visitor. I have stay here in Chico most of my Adult life, sense I was 17, we moved here in 1976. I was going into the 11th grade.
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is a beautiful, three story, 26 room Victorian House Museum that stands as a memorial to John and Annie Bidwell. John Bidwell was known throughout California and across the nation as an important pioneer, farmer, soldier, statesman, politician and philanthropist. Annie Ellicott Kennedy Bidwell, the daughter of a socially prominent, high ranking Washington official, was deeply religious, and committed to a number of moral and social causes. Annie was very active in the suffrage and prohibition movements.
The Bidwells were married April 16, 1868 in Washington, D.C. with then President Andrew Johnson and future President Ulysses S. Grant among the guests. Upon arrival in Chico, the Bidwell's used the Mansion extensively for entertainment of friends. Some of the guests that visited Bidwell Mansion were President Rutherford B. Hayes, General William T. Sherman, Susan B. Anthony, Frances Willard, Governor Stanford, John Muir, and Asa Gray.
When constructed, Bidwell Mansion featured the most modern plumbing, gas lighting and water systems. The overall style of the three-story brick structure is that of an Italian Villa, an informal, warmly romantic style. The building's exterior is finished with a pink tinted plaster. This Mansion is still standing. They give tours by the hour costing range is approx. 3-10 dollars.
Recreation
Bidwell Park caters to many recreational past times.
For those interested in swimming, the Sycamore Pool, located at the One-Mile Recreation Area, is an uncommon swimming experience, being a concrete pool built around Big Chico Creek. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend each year at the pool. When swimming in Big Chico Creek, be sure to use caution. Water which may appear to be shallow and/or slow moving can actually be swift and powerful. Don't be a victim! Stay in areas where there is no white water. When possible, swim with friends. Also, as with all other activities, bring enough drinking water to stay hydrated.The "One mile" swim hole is only 7 miles from where I am staying.
this is the salomon hole ..located up by the upper park area.
This rock wall runs across part of Chico, the Chinese immigrants built this rock was many yrs ago. Their earning were to start with a half a cent a day, and they were luckily enough to earn 5 cents at the end of the week.
This is the Diversion Dam above the Salomon hole, there is a place by the cement block in which we dive off, but I haven't gone up there in a few yrs, the College students go up there to sinny dip. I did in my College years.
hope you enjoy my little town which its growing enormously and fast. I have always returned back to Chico, even know I have moved all over and around Chico. Chico has beautiful seasons, showing colors of winter, spring, summer and fall.
Terry Freeman Freeman Family Web Designers CA, 95973 US | teri412002@yahoo.com | |
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