ORLAND, GLENN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Orland was founded as one of the many small valley towns that sprang up next to the railroad as it was being built up the valley. A post office and newspaper were established in the mid-1880's and the town was incorporated in 1909.

The name "Orland" was drawn from a hat. It is believed that a man submitted the name because it was the name of a town in the midwest where he had once lived. Two brothers named Chamberlain laid out the city streets on the grid system, with wide boulevard-type streets. The wide streets can be compared with the narrower streets in the newer parts of town.

Orland Unit Water Users diverted water from Stony Creek through a system of canals and ditches, making the arid land productive and capable of growing a variety of crops. This was the first ever of its type of irrigation.

With the arrival of irrigation, the lands were opened up to families for settlement. Advertisements were placed in eastern and midwestern newspapers for families to move to the Orland area to farm and to raise their families.

Many families did move, and when they did, they brought with them their religion and culture, as is apparent from the many churches that now grace Orland's streets.

Orland has the Mayor-City Council type government. Five council members are elected, and one serves as Mayor after being chosen by his or her peers.

Citizen commissions have aided the City Council in its tasks; among them are Library, Planning, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Public Safety, Economic Development and Arts.

The police department keeps the peace within the corporate city limits. The Glenn County Sheriff's Department handles the law enforcement responsibilities in the adjacent county areas.

The all-volunteer fire department is well-trained, and through many yearly benefits, raises a large portion of their own operating money.