The town of Chico, California, is approximately 100 miles north of Sacramento. It was founded by John and Annie Bidwell on land that was part of the Spanish land grant he purchased with gold he secured during the 1849 gold rush in the nearby Sierra Mountains.
The Bidwells built a 3 story mansion adjacent to Big Chico creek which flowed past on its way to the Sacramento River. The town and later the university grew up adjacent to their home.
The home itself later became part of the teachers college that matured into a state university. It was used as a dormitory before eventually becoming a California State Historical Park.
Early this morning the mansion - currently under renovation - was reported to be on fire and has essentially been gutted by the blaze. While no Notre Dame, Bidwell Mansion was the most historic thing in this small-by-California-standards community.
The DrsC both taught for many years and retired from California State University, Chico. We are sad this campus-adjacent landmark has been destroyed. Hat tip to our niece Karen for the heads-up, her brother Steve is a CSUC graduate.
