MARYSVILLE

city, seat (1850) of Yuba county, north-central California, U.S. It is situated in the Central Valley, at the junction of the Feather and Yuba rivers, 50 miles (80 km) north of Sacramento. It was established as a trading post in 1842 by Theodore Cordua on land leased from Captain John Sutter. The site was purchased by Charles Covillaud and Company, and the town was laid out (184950) by Auguste Le Plongeon and named for Covillaud's wife. Stimulated by the gold rush and connected to Sacramento by river steamer, Marysville grew as a miners' supply depot and collection point. After a controversy over hydraulic mining, dikes were built (after 1875) to protect the city from flooding. It became a trade centre for a mixed-farming (especially peach-orchard) region. There was some industrial development after World War II. Yuba (junior) College was founded in 1927. The Chinese Bok Kai Temple dates from the mining era. Beale Air Force Base (1942) is 15 miles (24 km) east. Inc. 1851. Pop. (1991 est.) 12,580.