Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
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Bidwell Mansion |
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park in
Chico, California is located at 525 The Esplanade in Chico, on the site of the 26,000
acre Rancho Chico, purchased in 1845–1850 by
John Bidwell. In 1865 he began construction of the mansion, a three story, 26 room
Victorian house, which in time became the social and cultural center of the upper
Sacramento Valley. Now a museum, it stands as a memorial to John and Annie Bidwell. It is
California Historical Landmark #329 and is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
When constructed, Bidwell Mansion featured the most modern plumbing, gas lighting and water systems. The overall style of the three-story brick structure is that of an
Italian villa, an informal, warmly romantic style. The building's exterior is finished with a pink tinted plaster.
The first floor of the Bidwell Mansion is accessible via a ramp from the exterior of the Mansion. The entire first floor may be seen on a regular tour. The second and third floors may be seen on video at the Visitor Center. The first floor and video are approximately one hour long.
The Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center is completely accessible. There is a gift shop, museum, theater, and comfortable lobby. There are also restrooms and water.
Some of the interior scenes from
The Thin Man were shot inside the mansion.
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Bidwell Mansion SHP web site*
Wikimapia location of Bidwell Mansion
