Bidwell, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bidwell
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Former settlement
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Country | United States |
State | California |
County | Butte County |
Elevation | 902 ft (275 m) |
Bidwell was once a small community located in Butte County, California, in the United States. It's known as a "former settlement" because it no longer exists today.
Contents
What Was Bidwell?
Bidwell was a place where people lived and worked a long time ago. It was situated about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) west of another old place called Bidwell's Bar. The community was also located near the Western Pacific Railroad, which was an important railway line.
Where Was Bidwell Located?
This former settlement was in a hilly area, sitting at an elevation of 902 feet (275 meters) above sea level. It was also close to what is now the Bidwell–Sacramento River State Park.
Why Did Bidwell Disappear?
The main reason Bidwell is no longer visible today is because it was completely covered by water. This happened when Lake Oroville was created.
The Story of Lake Oroville
Lake Oroville is a large reservoir, which is like a huge artificial lake. It was formed by building the Oroville Dam on the Feather River. This dam was constructed to help control floods, store water for farming and drinking, and generate electricity. When the lake filled up, many areas, including where Bidwell once stood, became submerged underwater. This means the old settlement of Bidwell is now at the bottom of Lake Oroville.