Chico, California
Bidwell Mansion State Historic
Park (SHP)
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park in
Chico, California is not only a state
landmark, it also is one of the finest
examples of Victorian homes in
California. Significant for its history
as the home of John Bidwell, known
throughout California during the late
1800's.When John Bidwell galloped into
Butte County on the heels of horse
thieves back in 1847, he encountered a
valley so pretty he was almost stopped
in his tracks. Instead, he kept on
going, caught the thieves, and turned
them over to his boss, John Sutter, one
of the known entrepreneurs of the
California Gold Rush. A year later
Bidwell witnessed history when gold was
discovered at Sutter's Mill in the
Sierra; he turned prospector and made a
fortune. But he never forgot the verdant
valley he'd seen near Chico Creek, 90
miles north of Sacramento. By 1850 he
traded his gold for 26,000 acres,
planted wheat, and planned a new
town. Bidwell was one of the first
Northern Californians to install an
indoor toilet, a tidbit you discover
during the tour of the mansion. The
ballroom upstairs never felt the step of
waltzing feet, as Bidwell's wife, Annie,
was a prohibitionist who did not believe
in drinking liquor or dancing. The irony
that "the craziest campus in the nation"
according to Playboy magazine, is
located on the former Bidwell cherry
orchard makes this property even more
fascinating. Bidwell Mansion, 525 The
Esplanade. Daily tours. (530)
895-6144. Bidwell Mansion is a
beautiful, three story, 26 room
Victorian House Museum that stands as a
memorial to the Bidwell family legacy.
Recognized as an important pioneer,
farmer, soldier, statesman, politician
and philanthropist, John Bidwell was
known throughout California and across
the nation. John Bidwell, a progressive
fellow, married Annie Ellicott Kennedy
Bidwell, the daughter of a socially
prominent, high ranking Washington
official. Unlike her husband, Annie a
staunch Christian committed to moral and
social causes. Active in the suffrage
and prohibition movements, Annie worked
to remove alcoholic beverages and did
not believe in dancing, among other
things. Among her contributions, Bidwell
Park was established on July 20, 1905
through the donation by Annie Bidwell of
approximately 2,500 acres of land to the
City of Chico. Since that time, the City
has purchased additional land, such as
Cedar Grove in 1922, and 1,200 acres of
land south of Big Chico Creek in Upper
Park in 1995. Today, Bidwell Park size
is 3,670 acres (nearly 11 miles in
length), making it one of the largest
municipal parks in the United States.
The Bidwell's were married April 16,
1868 in Washington, D.C. with then
President Andrew Johnson and future
President Ulysses S. Grant among the
guests. Upon arrival in Chico, the
Bidwell's used the Mansion extensively
for entertainment of friends. Some of
the guests that visited Bidwell Mansion
were President Rutherford B. Hayes,
General William T. Sherman, Susan B.
Anthony, Frances Willard, Governor
Stanford, John Muir, and Asa Gray.
When constructed, Bidwell Mansion
featured the most modern plumbing, gas
lighting and water systems. The overall
style of the three-story brick structure
is that of an Italian Villa. The
building's exterior is finished with a
pink tinted plaster.
Location – Directions
From Highway 99: after you take East
First Avenue and go left onto The
Esplanade, the Mansion is on your right
(west).
From Highway 5: Take Highway 32 exit at
Orland east 20 miles to West Sacramento
Avenue. Turn left (east) onto West
Sacramento Avenue to The Esplanade where
you turn right (south).
The Mansion is located at 525 The
Esplanade, Chico, California.
www.parks.ca.gov
The first floor of the Bidwell Mansion
features wheelchair access with a ramp
from the exterior of the Mansion. The
entire first floor may be seen on a
regular tour. The second and third
floors may be seen on video at the
Visitor Center. The first floor and
video are approximately one hour long.
The Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center is
completely accessible. There is a gift
shop, museum, theater and a lobby area.
