Northern California has an incredible history, and luckily for those of us interested in the past we have many well preserved artifacts and buildings left over from the generations that came before us.
One of these uniquely Northern Californian historical sites is the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park in Chico. Keep reading to learn more about why this old mansion is a true Northern Californian gem.
The Bidwell mansion is located at located at 525 Esplanade in Chico and was built in 1868 for John Bidwell and his bride Annie.
Flickr/ Steven Monck
John Bidwell was a classic rags to riches individual who first gained recognition by guiding pioneers out west on the California Trail.
Flickr/ Amy the Nurse
After discovering gold, becoming a wealthy landowner, establishing the town of Chico around his farm, serving in the Mexican-American War and in the, and becoming a U.S. congressman, John finally built his dream mansion after marrying his wife.
Flickr/ Darren and Brad
The three story, 26 room Victorian house became the social and cultural center of the upper Sacramento Valley.
Flickr/ Steven Miller
Annie was a woman’s suffragist and education activist from back east. The two lived in the Bidwell Mansion in Chico until John’s death at age 80 in the year 1900.
Flickr/ Amy the Nurse
Annie lived in the mansion for another 18 years until she too passed away and gave the home to the Presbyterian Church.
Flickr/ Wayne Hsieh
Annie was also responsible for donating 2,238 acres (almost ten square miles) of land in Chico for preservation. Since then the land has remained in the public trust and is now known as Bidwell Park.
Flickr/ Darren and Brad
The power couple who lived here are responsible for the place Chico is today, and over the years, their home has been lovingly cared for and restored by the people of Chico.
Flickr/ Darren and Brad
It’s now a historic state park and that is accessible for handicapped visitors as well as those who want to climb the steep stairs up to the 3rd floor.
Flickr/ Amy the Nurse
The interior looks much the same as it did a hundred years ago. When it was built in the 1800s, it was a state of the art home with modern plumbing and other amenities.
Flickr/ Darren and Brad
The three-story brick structure is built in an informally romantic version of the Italianate style. It also has aspects of the Italian Villa and Octagon house types present.
Flickr/ harlandspinksphoto
The building’s exterior is finished with a pink tinted plaster. It’s a lovely place to visit and an incredibly interesting part of Northern California’s history.
Flickr/ Darren and Brad
Find out more about Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park on the official website.
Flickr/ Steven Monck
Flickr/ Amy the Nurse
Flickr/ Darren and Brad
Flickr/ Steven Miller
Flickr/ Wayne Hsieh
Flickr/ harlandspinksphoto
Have you ever visited the Bidwell Mansion? What did you think?
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