Tehama County was created in 1856 from territory in Colusa, Shasta, and Butte Counties. The county is named for the City of Tehama. Suggested possible roots are the Arabic word tehama ("hot low-lands"), the Mexican word tejamanil (shingle), or "high water" in the dialect of local Indians. Territory which at one time was in Tehama County is now in Butte and Glenn Counties.

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