OROVILLE
Feather River
January 27, 1866: "A bridge across Feather River.---A bridge across Feather river at Oroville is an improvement demanded by our increasing trade, and by the increasing business of the people of the county at large. Especially in the Winter season, during which there are frequent periods when the ferryboats cannot run, the necessity of a bridge is most felt. There could be no better natural location for a bridge than we have on Feather river at the upper part of town. The river is very narrow, and is confined on this side by an imperishable wall of high bed rock, which forms the bluff. A ledge of bed rock also divides the river into two channels, and affords a solid basis for a pier to support the middle of the structure. On the opposite side of the river, a high gravel bluff, near the river's edge, offers an enduring foundation for a bridge. It is estimated that a double track covered bridge could be built across the river at this point, for $20,000. As an individual or company enterprise, no better investment could be found; the bridge would pay for itself in a year or two, and would be a paying institution for gererations. Who will take stock?" (The Union Record)