Bidwell Mansion Chico California Tours & History
Bidwell Mansion is a Chico, California landmark and boasts a rich history intertwined with both the city of Chico and Chico State University. General John Bidwell built the 26-room Italianate-style Victorian mansion as a family home for himself and his wife Annie. Completed in May 1868, they lived at Bidwell Mansion together until Gen. Bidwell died in 1900. Before his death General Bidwell donated 8 acres of land from his cherry orchard for Chico State to be built on In 1887. His wife Annie went on to live in the home until 1918, and she continued to donate to Chico State throughout her lifetime. Later, from the period of 1925-1935, Bidwell Mansion housed Chico State Teachers College students. After serving as a dormitory, the mansion was home to the Chico State Art and Home Economics departments. To learn more about Bidwell Mansion, visit www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=460.
Bidwell Mansion Hotel.
Visit the Bidwell Mansion, then return home to the utterly charming accommodations of the Quality Inn Downtown Near Chico State, and let us take good care of you with a splendid array of services and amenities. Wake up to hot breakfast each morning of your stay, get to work anytime in our business center or with free high-speed Internet throughout the hotel and in any one of our superbly appointed accommodations with refrigerators, microwaves and flat-screen televisions. Then come home and relax in our luxurious outdoor swimming pool or go for a soak in the soothing spa.
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Bidwell Mansion
Construction
in Chico.
General John Bidwell constructed Bidwell Mansion at a considerable cost at the time of $60,000 after marrying Annie Ellicott Kennedy. In 1868, the Bidwells took up residence in the sprawling Victorian mansion, and it quickly became the social epicenter of Sacramento Valley. Something of a marvel for its advances, modern gas lights and interior plumbing were built into the home.
Bidwell Mansion.
Today, the Italianate-style Victorian mansion is a visitor’s museum and part of the California State Historic Park system, which is listed as California Historical Landmark #329. With the original pink tinted plaster exterior restored, Bidwell Mansion is also on the National Register of Historic Places. A full facilities museum, Bidwell Mansion includes a theater, gift shop and restrooms, and the first-floor visitor’s center is fully accessible.
[Top] Chico, CA Bidwell Mansion Tours.
Learn more about touring the 26 splendid rooms of Bidwell Mansion. The entire mansion can be toured in about an hour, which is available most weekdays. A video tour is also provided for those who cannot climb up the 50-step stairway to reach the second and third floors of Bidwell Mansion. For more details on Bidwell Mansion Tours, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=460.
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