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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

This Innocent Looking Boy Grew Up To Become One Of The World’s Most Evil Men

Theodore Kaczynski showed troubling signs of anger and isolation long before authorities accused him of carrying out one of the mo…

He Had A Tough Childhood And His Dad Was A Bank Robber But Today He’s A Hollywood Star

Before he ever put on a Spider-Man suit, Tobey Maguire was fighting battles far from Hollywood red carpets and blockbuster premier…

Wheel of Fortune Contestant Misses Out On $61,000 Over This Tough Puzzle

A Wheel of Fortune contestant saw $61,000 slip away in the Bonus Round last week, leaving fans stunned over what many called one o…

Dead or Missing Scientists Pose “National Security Threat,” Top House Republican Warns as Oversight Committee Launches Probe

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has declared a series of deaths and disappearances involving at least 11 Am…

Trump’s Psychedelic Pivot: Executive Order Accelerates Review of Mind-Altering Drugs for Mental Health Crisis

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday directing federal agencies to fast-track the review and potential app…

White House Signals Review of Mysterious Deaths and Disappearances Among U.S. Scientists in Sensitive Fields

The Trump administration has indicated it will examine a cluster of unexplained deaths and disappearances involving at least 10 Am…

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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