Lorraine, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lorraine
Former settlement
Lorraine Location in California
Country	United States
State	California
County	Butte County
Elevation	138 ft (42 m)

Lorraine was once a small community located in Butte County, California. Today, you won't find Lorraine on land. It is now completely covered by the waters of the Thermalito Afterbay reservoir.

This former settlement was situated at an elevation of 138 feet (about 42 meters) above sea level. Lorraine continued to appear on maps until at least 1952. It was located about 5 miles (8 kilometers) north-northeast of a town called Biggs. Lorraine was also connected by the Sacramento Northern Railroad, which was an important way for people and goods to travel back then.

What Happened to Lorraine?

Lorraine is known as a "former settlement" because it no longer exists as a populated place. Many towns become "former settlements" for different reasons, like people moving away or resources running out. In Lorraine's case, its disappearance was due to the creation of a large reservoir.

The Thermalito Afterbay Reservoir

The Thermalito Afterbay is part of a bigger water system called the Oroville-Thermalito Complex. This complex was built to help manage water resources in California, especially for irrigation and generating electricity. When the reservoir was created, the area where Lorraine once stood was flooded. This means the entire settlement became submerged under water.

A Town Under Water

The fact that Lorraine still showed up on maps until 1952 tells us it was a recognized place for some time. Its connection to the Sacramento Northern Railroad suggests it might have been a small stop or a community that relied on the railway for transport and trade. Now, it's one of the "sunken cities" or "destroyed towns" that exist only in history books and old maps, hidden beneath the water's surface.