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Chico, California

Located in Butte County, California, Chico was established in 1860. Chico absorbed thousands of refugees after the 2018 Camp Fire destroyed nearby Paradise. Bidwell Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S.

Founded 1860 | Population 101,000 | Peak 101,000 (2024) | County Butte County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Chico, California

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1860 Founded by John Bidwell: Pioneer founds city in northern Sacramento Valley.

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1887 Chico State Founded: California State University campus.

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1910 Economic Development: Chico grew through the automobile industry.

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1987 Party School Reputation: Playboy ranks Chico State #1 party school.

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2018 Camp Fire Refugees: Paradise fire survivors flood into Chico.

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Latest News in Chico

Parolee with Prior Double-Murder Conviction Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Killing of South Los Angeles Woman

LOS ANGELES—A man previously convicted of two murders in 1998 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole …

Study: Cannabis Ineffective for Most Mental Disorders

A major review of past studies has delivered a clear verdict on the role of cannabis-based medicines in treating mental health and…

Investigator Exposes $170M Fraud in California

Investigator Nick Shirley has brought to light a massive $170 million fraud scheme operating within California, representing a sig…

NYPD Captain Arrested for Assaulting Alleged Child Predator

NYPD Captain Kai Bowen is now facing serious legal repercussions following an off-duty incident that escalated into violence. Repo…

What’s Behind Trump’s Push to Revive California Oil?

The Trump administration’s directive to Sable Offshore Corp. to restore the Santa Ynez oil unit in California represents a s…

CBS Investigation Reveals Hospice Fraud Hotspot in Los Angeles

CBS News has exposed a troubling epicenter of hospice fraud in Los Angeles, California, shedding light on a systemic issue that ha…

Complete Historical Timeline

1860 Culture

Founded by John Bidwell

1887 Culture

Chico State Founded

1910 Industry

Economic Development

1987 Culture

Party School Reputation

2018 Disaster

Camp Fire Refugees

Did You Know?

1

Chico absorbed thousands of refugees after the 2018 Camp Fire destroyed nearby Paradise.

2

Bidwell Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S.

3

Chico State has shed its party school image for strong sustainability programs.

4

Chico is located in Butte County, California.

5

Chico was founded in 1860.

Famous People from Chico, California

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Aaron Rodgers

American Football Player · Born Dec 2, 1983 · Age 42

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Pat Mastelotto

Drummer, Musician · Born Sep 10, 1955 · Age 70

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Donovan Scott

Actor · Born Sep 29, 1947 · Age 78

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Haley Cope

Swimmer · Born Apr 11, 1979 · Age 46

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Matt Lucena

Tennis Player · Born Aug 4, 1969 · Age 56

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