Bidwell Mansion in Chico, California, Damaged in Early Morning Fire

Bidwell Mansion, a historic landmark in Chico, California, suffered significant damage in an early morning fire on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The mansion, located at 525 Esplanade, has been a symbol of Chico’s history since its construction in 1865 by General John Bidwell and his wife Annie Bidwell.

The fire was reported at around 3:30 AM, and firefighters have been working to contain and extinguish the flames. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation.

Bidwell Mansion is a three-story, 26-room Victorian house built in the Italianate style with elements of Italian Villa and Octagon house types. It was the social and cultural center of the upper Sacramento Valley during the late 19th century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as California Historical Landmark #329.

The mansion has been open to the public as a museum and State Historic Park, offering guided tours that showcase its historic significance and architectural features. The incident has raised concerns about the preservation of this important historical site.

Local authorities and historical preservation groups are likely to be involved in assessing the damage and planning for the restoration of the mansion. The community is mourning the loss of a significant part of their cultural heritage.