Home › California › Chico

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.
Trending in Chico
Latest updates coming soon
2 hours ago
More local news on the way
5 hours ago
Founded 1860 | Population 101,000 | Peak 101,000 (2024) | County Butte County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Chico, California

undefined
1860Founded by John Bidwell: Pioneer founds city in northern Sacramento Valley.
undefined
1887Chico State Founded: California State University campus.
undefined
1910Economic Development: Chico grew through the automobile industry.
undefined
1987Party School Reputation: Playboy ranks Chico State #1 party school.
undefined
2018Camp Fire Refugees: Paradise fire survivors flood into Chico.
🧠
How Well Do You Know Chico?
5 questions • 2 minutes
Take the Quiz →

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

AR
Aaron Rodgers
American Football Player · Born Dec 2, 1983 · Age 42
PM
Pat Mastelotto
Drummer, Musician · Born Sep 10, 1955 · Age 70
DS
Donovan Scott
Actor · Born Sep 29, 1947 · Age 78
HC
Haley Cope
Swimmer · Born Apr 11, 1979 · Age 46
ML
Matt Lucena
Tennis Player · Born Aug 4, 1969 · Age 56
See something that needs correcting?
We take accuracy seriously. Help us keep Chico's history right.