The Life and Times of John Bidwell
An Amazing Life and Legacy
John Bidwell was born on the east coast to a poor farming family in 1819. In spite of these modest roots, he would eventually become a key figure in California history, one famous for being a true pioneer, a statesman, politician, prohibitionist, and philanthropist.
Over the course of his life, John Bidwell struck it rich by finding a substantial amount of gold, participated in the Bear Flag Revolt, lobbied in Washington D.C. for California’s statehood, achieved valuable advances in agriculture, and founded the town of Chico, California. He was even nominated for U.S. President.
1841 — Ambitious and determined 22-year old John Bidwell crossed the Sierra Nevada, and arrives in California with the dream of starting a farm.
1848 — Eureka! John Bidwell finds gold on the Feather River.
1849 ~ 51 — Bidwell purchases more than 26,000 acres of land, including “Rancho del Arroyo Chico.”
1860 — The Town of Chico is laid out by John Bidwell.
1863 — Working with an architect, Bidwell creates plans for his 26-room mansion.
1865 — John Bidwell travels to Washington D.C. to serve a term in the House of Representatives. While there, he meets a Presbyterian activist, Annie Ellicott Kennedy.
1868 — The mansion is finished. John and Annie are married in Washington D.C.
Marker can be reached from Esplanade near Memorial Way.
Courtesy hmdb.org
