# Learned on [[2024-01-31]] * John Bidwell had a generally good relationship with the Native Americans in the area, and employed several. * His wife, Annie Bidwell, was very progressive in many ways (e.g., women's rights), but was not accepting of alcohol, smoking, or _dancing_. As such, they did not allow this in the house, despite having a ballroom upstairs. * Bidwell did have a couple of kids from a Native American woman (not mentioned on the tour). * [[Chico State]] had turned Bidwell Mansion into a dorm for many years. A lot of damage was done, and they were never able to fully restore it (the servant bells do not work anymore, for instance). * Most of the furniture and possessions were taken by the family. 40% were returned for the mansion. * Bidwell Mansion had a water heater back before that was truly a thing. * It also had partially-working electricity (first in the area), for the purpose of lighting some rooms. This was paired with kerosene lights. * John Bidwell died from a heart attack (most likely). Annie from strokes. # [[2024-12-11|December 11, 2024]] Bidwell Mansion burned to the ground. # [[2025-01-03|January 3, 2025]] It was arson. ```embed title: "Man accused of arson fire that destroyed Chico’s Bidwell Mansion" image: "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/W8QL_21dOWE/maxresdefault.jpg" description: "Officials on Friday said they arrested a person in connection with a fire that destroyed one of Northern California’s most famous homes. The Bidwell Mansion…" url: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8QL_21dOWE" ```