Concow, California facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Concow, California
Unincorporated community
Location in Butte County and the state of California
Concow, California Location in the United States
Country	United States
State	California
County	Butte
Area
• Total	27.78 sq mi (71.95 km²)
• Land	27.41 sq mi (70.98 km²)
• Water	0.37 sq mi (0.97 km²) 1.35%
Elevation	2,005 ft (611 m)
Population (2020)
• Total	402
• Density	14.67/sq mi (5.66/km²)
Time zone	UTC−08:00 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−07:00 (PDT)
ZIP Code	95965
Area code	530
FIPS code	06-16035
GNIS feature IDs	1867007, 2407652

Concow is a small community in the Sierra Nevada mountains of eastern Butte County, California. Its name comes from the Concow Maidu Native American tribe, who originally lived there. Their name for the area, Koyoom Kʼawi, means "Meadow."

For many years, the population of Concow has been shrinking. This is partly because there are fewer jobs and also because of many wildfires. On November 8, 2018, a very large wildfire called the Camp Fire destroyed most of Concow, as well as the nearby town of Paradise.

The original people of Concow, the Maidu, ate food like salmon from the Feather River, acorns, pine nuts, and deer. There was plenty of food in the California foothills where they lived.

History of Concow

The Maidu people believed that a Great Spirit named Wahno-no-pem created everything. He brought light to the world and made the sun, moon, and stars.

Early Contact and Settlement

The Concow region was not directly controlled by Spanish or Mexican governments in the past. However, there were some Mexican settlements nearby.

Starting in 1828, fur trappers like Jedediah Smith were among the first non-Native people to meet the Concow Maidu. In 1851, the Beckwourth Trail became the first travel route near Concow. This trail helped people get to the area.

Sadly, when new people arrived, diseases like pneumonia and malaria spread. The Maidu people had no natural protection against these diseases, which caused many deaths.

Challenges for Native Americans

In the mid-1800s, the Native American population in California faced terrible challenges. The state government supported actions against Native peoples, leading to a huge decline in their numbers. Money was even paid for these actions, which became known as the "California War Debt." This period saw the native population drop from about 250,000 to less than 50,000.

Permanent settlements by non-Native people began to grow in Concow by 1856. Bridges were built over the Feather River, making it easier to get to the area from places like Oroville and Magalia.

Forced Relocation

After years of conflict and forced removals, the last of the Kon Kow people were forced to leave their homes in 1859. They were taken to the Mendocino Reservation. Later, they were moved again to the Nome Cult Farms at the Round Valley reservation.

By 1862, the native people of Concow were struggling to survive on the crowded Round Valley reservation. The climate there was damp and cold, very different from their dry homeland. Also, during the American Civil War, money for the reservations stopped coming.

Return Journey and Further Hardship

Because of the poor conditions and dangers at the reservation, over 400 Maidu people decided to leave in September 1862. They wanted to walk 130 miles back to their home in the Concow Valley. They had no supplies for this long journey.

They made it as far as Chico, where they were stopped and made to work for very low pay. They helped build roads and worked for local employers.

The following spring, a violent event happened where some children were attacked. This led to more violence against the KonKow people. Many were killed by a large group of white men. To try and keep them safe, many KonKow people were gathered at Bidwell's Landing.

Later, soldiers were ordered to move these imprisoned people 110 miles back to Round Valley. This difficult journey, known as the KonKow Trail of Tears, lasted 20 days. Many people died along the way from hunger, thirst, or attacks by wild animals. Those who survived were left at the Round Valley reservation with no food and many starved during the winter.

In 1864, another group of Kon Kow Maidu left the Round Valley reservation to try and return home. Their fate is not known.

Today, people living in Concow sometimes find old beads and stone tools from the Maidu people when they are digging. There is no special monument in Concow Valley to remember the KonKow people's history.

Modern Concow

A post office operated in Concow from 1882 to 1906. For many years, the area was mostly home to a few ranching families. The local economy changed over time, depending on things like the gold rush, logging, and ranching. It was always hard to get to the region.

In 1962, a new four-lane road, California State Route 70, was built. This made it much easier to access Concow.

Wildfires in Concow

Starting in 2000, Concow has been hit by a series of wildfires that have grown larger over time.

The 2000 Fire

A fire burned on September 19–20, 2000. It destroyed 14 buildings and covered 2,000 acres. At the time, this was considered a big fire.

The 2008 Fire

In June 2008, a huge wildfire called the Butte Lightning Complex Fires burned 60,000 acres. This fire destroyed 250 buildings in Concow. Many of these buildings were not built to modern safety standards. The fire greatly changed the community.

The 2012 Fire

On September 26, 2012, a smaller fire burned 60 acres on Concow Road. Firefighters from several agencies worked together to put out the fire.

The 2018 Camp Fire

On November 8, 2018, the devastating Camp Fire started near Concow. It quickly spread and destroyed most of Concow and the town of Paradise. Many people had to evacuate quickly. Sadly, at least 6 people died in Concow during this fire. Some residents survived by jumping into a creek because a fallen tree blocked their escape route.

Geography

Concow covers about 28 square miles. Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.

For a long time, the name Concow was not officially listed by the U.S. Geological Survey until 1990. Other nearby communities include The Pines and Deadwood.

The community is located off State Route 70, north of Cherokee. Concow has a few important places like Concow Elementary School, Concow Dam and Reservoir, and Concow Road, which is the main paved road.

Population Changes

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1870	490	—
1990	1,392	—
2000	1,095	−21.3%
2010	710	−35.2%
2020	402	−43.4%
U.S. Decennial Census 1850–1870 1880-1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

The first official census for the Concow region was in 1990. When Europeans first arrived, the Maidu population in Concow was over 1,000. However, their numbers quickly dropped due to historical events and forced removals.

Concow in 2000

In the year 2000, the census counted 1,095 people living in Concow. About 24% of households had children under 18. The average income for a family was $41,250. About 27% of people under 18 lived below the poverty line. Most residents (91%) were White. There were also African Americans, Native Americans, and Latinos living there.

Concow in 2010

After the 2008 fire, which destroyed many homes, the population of Concow dropped by 35% to 710 people in the 2010 census. About 30% of homes had children under 18. Most residents (85%) were White. There were also Native Americans and Latinos.

Concow in 2020

The Camp Fire in 2018 destroyed almost all of Concow. The 2020 Census counted only 402 people, which was a 43% drop from 2010. About 78% of the population was White.

Economy

Past and Present Industries

Historically, the Concow region was home to hunter-gatherer societies. Later, industries like getting turpentine from trees, dairy farming, ranching, forestry, and supplying water were important. Mining for gold was also done in some areas. Today, the land is mostly used for timber production and homes.

Local Economy Changes

In the 1980s and 1990s, Concow became known for a lot of informal business activity. The 2008 fire destroyed many buildings and changed the forest, which affected the local economy. The population has continued to decline, even though some retirees were expected to move to the area.

Education

The Concow Elementary School is located in the community and serves local students.

Notable people

Bill Godbout, an early computer pioneer, died during the Camp Fire in 2018.

Images for kids

A typical Concow garden in 2013.