A fire engulfed the beloved and historic Bidwell Mansion, the centerpiece of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park (SHP) in Chico, in the early morning hours of Dec. 11. Thankfully, the park’s visitors center and several outbuildings on the property were not impacted by the fire. A full assessment of the extensive damage is forthcoming and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Smoke rises above Bidwell Mansion in Chico 12 hours after an early morning fire began at the historic home on Dec. 11. Photo from California State University, Chico.
Smoke rises above Bidwell Mansion in Chico 12 hours after an early morning fire began at the historic home on Dec. 11. Photo from California State University, Chico.

“This is a devastating loss for California State Parks, for the Chico community, and all who cherish the history embodied by the Bidwell Mansion. For over a century, this beloved landmark has stood as a testament to the legacy of John and Annie Bidwell and the community they helped shape. To see it so severely damaged is a profound loss that we all feel deeply,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Our immense gratitude goes to the Chico Fire Department, CSU Chico Police and all allied agencies who responded swiftly to contain the fire and protect the surrounding buildings. I also want to acknowledge the State Parks team — our employees, volunteers, and partners — who have poured their dedication and care into preserving and interpreting this site. This loss is deeply personal to them, and we stand with them in this moment of grief. While it’s too early to discuss the future of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, we are resolute in our dedication to preserving California’s history. To the Chico and North State communities and beyond, thank you for your support and patience as we move forward together in the wake of this tragedy.”

The mansion was undergoing extensive exterior renovations and had been closed to the public since May. The restoration work was addressing critical repairs and included restoration of all exterior wood components, the installation of a new roof, and minor plaster siding repair. The exterior of the building was also to be repainted. At the time of the fire, the renovation was estimated to be about two-thirds complete, with the mansion expected to reopen in early 2025.

Top left: First responders arrived at Bidwell Mansion SHP in the early morning hours of Dec. 11. Fortunately, their efforts saved several adjacent buildings, including the park's visitors center. Photo from California State University, Chico. Top right: Northern Buttes District Superintendent Matt Teague (left) and Northern Divison Chief Jason De Wall take a moment to absorb the loss of the 156-year-old mansion. Photo from Angelica De La Pena, Communications and Marketing Division. Bottom right: The mansion prior to the fire, with its familiar pink-tinted plaster exterior. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division. Bottom left: Annie and John Bidwell on the porch of the mansion prior to John's death in 1900. Photo from California State Parks.
Top left: First responders arrived at Bidwell Mansion SHP in the early morning hours of Dec. 11. Fortunately, their efforts saved several adjacent buildings, including the park’s visitors center. Photo from California State University, Chico. Top right: Northern Buttes District Superintendent Matt Teague (left) and Northern Divison Chief Jason De Wall take a moment to absorb the loss of the 156-year-old mansion. Photo from Angelica De La Pena, Communications and Marketing Division. Bottom right: The mansion prior to the fire, with its familiar pink-tinted plaster exterior. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division. Bottom left: Annie and John Bidwell on the porch of the mansion prior to John’s death in 1900. Photo from California State Parks.

When completed in 1868, the three-story, 26-room mansion designed by San Francisco architect Henry W. Cleaveland, featured modern plumbing, gas lighting, and an air-cooling system. The overall style of the three-story brick structure was that of an Italianate villa, with an exterior finished with a pink-tinted plaster.

The mansion was home to John and Annie Bidwell. John Bidwell was known throughout California and across the nation as an important pioneer, farmer, soldier, statesman, politician, and philanthropist. Annie Ellicott Kennedy Bidwell, the daughter of a socially prominent, high-ranking federal official, was known for her commitment to several moral and social causes, including the suffrage and prohibition movements. Guests who visited Bidwell Mansion included President Rutherford B. Hayes, General William T. Sherman, Susan B. Anthony, Frances Willard, Governor Leland Stanford, and John Muir. Visiting botanists who took a particular interest in the agricultural efforts of John Bidwell included Asa Gray and Sir Joseph Hooker.

A proponent of higher education, John Bidwell donated eight acres of his cherry orchard for a teachers’ college called Chico State Normal School (later renamed California State University, Chico) in 1887. Bidwell died in 1900. In 1918, under the terms of her will, Annie Bidwell bequeathed the mansion and surrounding grounds to the College Board of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America for the establishment of a coeducational Christian school. Instead, the property was acquired by Chico State Normal School, then named Chico State Teachers College. At various times the building provided offices, classrooms, and dormitory rooms for students. In 1964, the California State Park System gained possession of the mansion, designating it Bidwell Mansion State Historical Monument, later changing the name to Bidwell Mansion SHP. The mansion was literally a landmark in California, having been registered as California Historical Landmark #329 in 1966 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NR #72000216) in 1972.

State Parks wishes to thank the local agencies that quickly responded to the fire and attempted to minimize the damage while protecting nearby properties and lives. This significant loss will be deeply felt by State Parks, visitors, and members of the Chico and North State community.