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Historic Sites in Yuba-Sutter

Bicentennial Living Witness Tree [Map]
On Highway 99 in Live Oak, a Valley Oak has been identified as being over 200 years old, standing at the time of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. It is one of 35 such trees identified nationwide.

Bok Kai Temple [Map] [Website]
In 1854, 5 years after the first contingent of Chinese arrived in California to work in the gold mines, a temple to house and worship their gods was erected. Foremost among these was the god of water, Bok Eye, who possessed the power to control the rains. The current temple, built in 1880, remains the focus of the Marysville Chinese community, and is the only one of its kind in the United States. The Bok Kai Festival, honoring Bok Eye, is held annually in March and features a town parade.

D Street, Marysville [Map] [Website]
Coming south from the 700 block of D Street, visitors will find a delightful blend of architectural styles. Within a few blocks, Gothic Victorian, Queen Anne, Greek Revival, Edwardian, Italianate and Eastlake influences are in evidence. Further on remain a few of the original brick business buildings of early Marysville. At the foot of D Street is the Bok Kai Temple and to the east, on First Street, is the remaining China Town. Marysville is “California's oldest little city.”

Ellis Lake, Marysville [Map]
Ellis Lake was originally a sprawling swamp. In 1924, John McLaren, designer of Golden Gate Park, presented plans for transforming the swamp into a lake. Named after W. T. Ellis, a prominent Marysville citizen, Ellis Lake offers a pleasant walk and picnic areas.

Historic Landmarks and Sites [Brochure]*
Download the new Landmarks and Sites Brochure* and use it as your own personal guide to explore places of historic interest in the area.

Plumas Street, Yuba City [Map] [Website]
The heart of downtown Yuba City, an eclectic mix of retail buildings from the 1920's.

Second Street, Yuba City [Map]
The Sutter County Courthouse, a Classical Revival structure circa 1899, and the Sutter County Hall of Records, built in Romanesque style in 1891, dominate the Second Street district of historic buildings. A variety of architectural styles are seen in the residences on Second Street from Bridge Street to Garden Highway and on B and C Streets. Graceful Victorians reflect Italianate, Classical and Eastlake influences.

Sutter Buttes [Map] [Website]
The Sutter Buttes were formed 1.5 million years ago. The highest point is 2,132 feet above sea level. The Buttes played an important part in the lives of the Maidu Indians, who lived in villages within sight of the Buttes. They called them Histum Yani, the Spirit Mountain, and believed that their spirits went there after death. Scenic drive markers direct motorists around the exterior of the Sutter Buttes. The Buttes are privately owned and there is no public access to the interior. Guided walking tours are available through several naturalist organizations such as the Middle Mountain Foundation. Check out the new "Experience the Sutter Buttes" brochure.

Walking Tour of Historic Marysville [Brochure]*
Download the new Walking Tour of Historic Marysville Brochure* and use it to preview some of the many sites you will see on this unique tour.