Oregon City, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oregon City
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Castleberry Covered Bridge in March 2021
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 Oregon City
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Butte County |
| Elevation | 1,184 ft (361 m) |
| Reference #: | 807 |
Oregon City is a fascinating ghost town in Butte County, California. It's located between the towns of Oroville and Cherokee. A ghost town is a place that was once busy but is now mostly empty.
This area was one of the very first places where people started digging for gold in Butte County. It was founded in the fall of 1848 by a group of people from Oregon. They traveled all the way to California using trails like the Applegate and Lassen trails.
Just over a year later, the leader of their group, Peter H. Burnett, became the first ever civil Governor of California. A governor is like the main leader of a state.
For a while, Oregon City was a very successful place. It was a hub for gold mining and a supply center for miners. This means it was a place where miners could get tools and food. But over time, the gold ran out, and the town became quiet and mostly forgotten. It sits about 1,184 feet (361 meters) above sea level.
Contents
What is Oregon City?
Oregon City is a historic site that tells a story of California's exciting past. It was once a bustling gold mining camp. Today, it's a quiet reminder of the California Gold Rush.
A Golden Past
The town was first settled in 1848 by people hoping to find gold. It even had different names over the years, like Bloomingdale and Hengy. These names were also used for the local post office at different times. The Hengy post office was named after its first postmaster, Jessie Hengy.
Important Landmarks
Even though Oregon City is a ghost town, it still has some important historical spots. These places help us remember what life was like during the gold rush era.
The Historic Schoolhouse
One of the most interesting buildings still standing is the historic schoolhouse. It was built way back in 1872. Imagine kids learning their lessons in that very building over a hundred years ago!
The Covered Bridge
Near Oregon City, you can find the Oregon City Covered Bridge. It's also known as the Castleberry Covered Bridge. Covered bridges are special because they have roofs and sides, protecting the wooden structure from the weather. This bridge is a beautiful piece of history.
A Special Landmark
Today, the original site of Oregon City is recognized as a California Historical Landmark. This means it's a place of special historical importance in California. It's a protected site that helps us learn about the state's early days.
