BMA Board Receives Update on Reimagining Bidwell Mansion
SATURDAY, october 11, 2025
We have a lot of great information to share with you this week.
On Wednesday, the Bidwell Mansion Association board of directors met via Zoom with officials from State Parks and PlaceWorks, the firm hired to collect public input to help determine the future of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.
This meeting was the first in a series of meetings planned with a wide range of stakeholders involved in shaping the mansion’s future. BMA will receive a complete list of these stakeholders, which includes the Mechoopda Tribe, as well as various civic, historical, and community organizations.
These meetings are preliminary to an online public survey and the planned community meetings, which will occur sometime this winter. We will keep you informed of this process, but it’s also a good idea to visit the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park website and sign up for email alerts.
During the meeting, PlaceWorks and State Parks officials outlined the process for developing a “vision plan” for the park. These are broader concepts rather than detailed ideas, but they will help to serve as a set of guiding principles for the park’s future.
The three potential preservation concepts include:
All three concepts have been used in similar situations. Fort Ross on the North Coast, La Purisima Mission in Santa Barbara County, and Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento are all reconstructions. The preserved ruins of Jack London’s Wolf House in Sonoma County are a good example of rehabilitation adaptive re-use. In contrast, the 9/11 Memorial in New York City is an example of commemoration, where something entirely new was created to commemorate the victims of the terror attacks.
On Wednesday, the Bidwell Mansion Association board of directors met via Zoom with officials from State Parks and PlaceWorks, the firm hired to collect public input to help determine the future of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.
This meeting was the first in a series of meetings planned with a wide range of stakeholders involved in shaping the mansion’s future. BMA will receive a complete list of these stakeholders, which includes the Mechoopda Tribe, as well as various civic, historical, and community organizations.
These meetings are preliminary to an online public survey and the planned community meetings, which will occur sometime this winter. We will keep you informed of this process, but it’s also a good idea to visit the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park website and sign up for email alerts.
During the meeting, PlaceWorks and State Parks officials outlined the process for developing a “vision plan” for the park. These are broader concepts rather than detailed ideas, but they will help to serve as a set of guiding principles for the park’s future.
The three potential preservation concepts include:
- Reconstruction: rebuilding the mansion
- Rehabilitation Adaptive Re-Use: stabilizing and preserving the site
- Commemoration: reimagining the park in a way that continues to honor the Bidwells’ legacy and conveys the site’s importance to Chico
All three concepts have been used in similar situations. Fort Ross on the North Coast, La Purisima Mission in Santa Barbara County, and Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento are all reconstructions. The preserved ruins of Jack London’s Wolf House in Sonoma County are a good example of rehabilitation adaptive re-use. In contrast, the 9/11 Memorial in New York City is an example of commemoration, where something entirely new was created to commemorate the victims of the terror attacks.
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With the Outreach Launch phase now underway, the community is invited to engage with the park, sign up for email updates, contribute stories using the Memory Sharing Tool, and help shape the park's future. All of this can be found on the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park website. If you haven’t visited the site yet, we encourage you to do so and be part of the conversation.
During the Engagement phase, expected to start this winter, the community will be invited to participate through online and in-person meetings, workshops, pop-up events, and an online survey to gather ideas and input on the future of the park. In the final Vision Development phase, starting next spring, public input will help identify which concepts are most preferred. Next summer, several options will be presented for community feedback. Afterward, a preferred concept will be selected and refined with further input. The final vision plan is expected to be completed by next fall. |
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Then, the “practical things” will come out, like cost and other details needed to achieve the vision.
In the meantime….
We are excited to announce that plans are taking shape to partially reopen the park’s Visitor Center for a few days in December! The General’s Store and the museum area will be open, and we are planning a small event to go along with it. We will provide more details when plans are finalized.
In the meantime….
We are excited to announce that plans are taking shape to partially reopen the park’s Visitor Center for a few days in December! The General’s Store and the museum area will be open, and we are planning a small event to go along with it. We will provide more details when plans are finalized.
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Crews from FGL Environmental, a firm hired to test soils around the mansion for contamination, started work Thursday. Engineers have not yet begun examining the interior of the mansion due to unresolved safety concerns.
Archaeologist/anthropologist Greg White will be sharing his vision for the mansion grounds as part of the Chico History Museum’s speaker series on Saturday, October 18, at 10 a.m. His proposal calls for constructing some of the key buildings that were on the grounds before the mansion, and operating them as a living history site. Seating is limited, and if you are interested in attending his talk, go to the Chico History Museum’s website to purchase tickets. |
A worker with FGL Environmental takes soil samples on Thursday around Bidwell Mansion to test for contamination.
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bricks, books, and a cat
friday, october 3, 2025
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There’s not much new to report this week about Bidwell Mansion.
Structural engineers are testing bricks and mortar taken from the ruins to determine their strength, a necessary step before the building can be entered—well, before people can enter. A cat has apparently taken up residence inside, as it has been seen trotting in through the front and back doors as if it owns the place. The Visitor Center remains closed to the public, with a reopening date still to be determined. According to District Superintendent Matt Teague, it is currently undergoing a deep cleaning and is even closed to park staff. Museum Curator Ursula Filice, has accepted a promotion with the North Coast Redwoods District. She was curator for all the historic parks in the Northern Butte District, including Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, and was responsible for approximately 24,000 artifacts. Among her accomplishments was improving evacuation and housekeeping plans for all the district museums. Ursula’s last day was September 30, and we wish her the best of luck as she moves on to her new position. We enjoyed working with her these last few years and appreciated her dedication to the mansion. Bidwell Mansion Association board members Nancy Leek and Steve Schoonover attended the Tehama County Museum Historical Rendezvous last Saturday, selling books on behalf of the association. Although they only sold a few, they had the opportunity to talk with several people and answer many questions about what will happen to the mansion and plans for moving forward. Which is a good reminder to visit the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park website and sign up for email updates. This is the first step of a 15-month process of collecting public input to develop a Vision Plan that honors the mansion’s history and considers future possibilities. If you haven’t visited the site yet, we encourage you to do so and be part of the conversation. |
The Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center is currently closed to the public, including park staff, for a deep cleaning.
BMA board members Nancy Leek and Steve Schoonover sold books for the association last Saturday at the Tehama County Museum and answered a large number of questions about the fate of the mansion.
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Structural Analysis Underway
Friday, september 12, 2025Tuesday morning, State Parks officials and consulting engineers began examining what was left of Bidwell Mansion after December’s fire. However, they did not enter the shell of the building, as it is not believed to be safe.
This phase of the review is to determine what needs to be done to stabilize the ruins. State Parks District Superintendent Matt Teague said he thought some sort of bracing might need to be built before crews could enter the building. The stability of the walls isn’t the only problem. Teague said there are places in the mansion where it can be seen that the first floor has burned away, leaving an open drop into the basement. Due to debris falling from the second and third stories, it is unknown what shape the rest of the ground floor is in. We expect to learn more once the analysis is complete and will share updates about this important process as soon as details are available. |
State Parks staff and consulting engineers examine the ruins of Bidwell Mansion to determine what will be necessary to make it safe to enter the structure for further analysis.
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Structural Analysis To Start September 9thFriday, september 5, 2025The structural analysis of the mansion ruins is expected to begin Tuesday, September 9, according to State Park District Superintendent Matt Teague.
The analysis will first determine what has to be done to enter the shell of the mansion safely, as debris from the upper floors can be seen dangling down into several of the ground-floor rooms. From there, the soundness of the remaining structure will be explored. Removal of debris from inside the mansion, and search for any surviving artifacts would follow. All this is necessary to determine what can be done with the mansion ruins. |
View through one of the dining room windows at Bidwell Mansion shows parts of an upper-floor wall hanging precariously over the lower floor.
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Reimagine Bidwell Mansion
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California State Parks has officially launched its Reimagine Bidwell Mansion Park State Historic Park planning effort. Over the next 15 months, they will be working with us and the community to create a Vision Plan that honors the mansion’s history while also exploring possibilities for its future.
You can learn more about this outreach effort at reimaginebidwellmansion.org, where you can also share your memories through the Memory Sharing Tool and stay up to date on engagement opportunities by joining their mailing list. |
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California State Parks also sent out a press release, which talks more about this planning effort.
We’ll also keep you informed about news, announcements, and opportunities to get involved with the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion Park State Historic Park project.
We’ll also keep you informed about news, announcements, and opportunities to get involved with the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion Park State Historic Park project.
Quiet Days at bidwell mansionFriday, august 23, 2025There’s not much activity to report this week at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, beyond the gray squirrels that can be seen scampering over the rubble in and around the mansion.
State Parks District Superintendent Matt Teague said the structural analysis of the mansion ruin is scheduled to begin the week of September 8th. That will provide information on how safe it is to remove debris from inside the mansion, and possibly provide options on what can be done with the building shell. Public outreach is expected to begin early next month, with a new website launching and public meetings scheduled to gather input from the community on the mansion’s future. We will let you know when we have more information and dates for the meetings.
Thank you for your continued support as we share these updates. Staying connected helps ensure the story of the Bidwell Mansion remains part of our community. |
A squirrel pauses on the front porch of Bidwell Mansion after taking a tour of the interior.
A jumble of debris is visible through the back door of Bidwell Mansion in this photo taken on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
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Friday, august 8, 2025
why is the back porch less damaged?If you walk around Bidwell Mansion and pay attention, the condition of the back porch of the house stands out.
Unlike the rest of the home, the roof over the first-floor door and window has not collapsed. The pillars supporting the roof are singed but not destroyed. Several of the decorative corbels survive. The wooden structure over the stairway down into the basement seems almost intact, much like most of the pink-painted plaster on the exterior. The mansion had been encompassed by scaffolding for the restoration project that was underway at the time of the fire. Around most of the mansion, the scaffolding came down in a heap during the fire. But at the back of the house, around the back porch, the scaffolding stood intact after the flames, as if ready for workers to climb up and continue their work. This is a result of the ingenious design of the house to ease the effect of Chico’s baking summer heat. The tower at the front of the mansion was not just ornamental, nor just a place for the Bidwells to look out over the front of their home. It and a cupola in the middle of the third-floor ballroom ceiling were heat chimneys. |
The back porch of Bidwell Mansion doesn’t seem as damaged by last December’s arson fire as the rest of the house. That’s a result of the mansion’s innovative design.
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The bottom two floors of the mansion were lined with windows to accept breezes—warm or cool—whenever they blew. Because warm air rises, the massive central staircase would carry the heat to the third floor. From there, the cupola and tower would allow the heat to escape. It was the equivalent of a modern whole-house fan, without needing electricity to move hot air up and out of the house.
Unfortunately, that wonderful ventilation system also helped carry the arsonist’s flames through the house, and as a side effect, left the back porch less damaged.
Unfortunately, that wonderful ventilation system also helped carry the arsonist’s flames through the house, and as a side effect, left the back porch less damaged.
The arsonist threw gasoline through the third window from the right on the ground floor. The fire that followed spread upward to the left due to the ventilation system that had been designed into the house to keep it cool.
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The arsonist broke a window on the north side of the mansion, between the kitchen and the dining room. He poured gasoline into the space—a hallway that led up to the servants’ quarters over the kitchen—and ran a line of gasoline out from the house, apparently throwing the gas can and the remaining gas back inside. Then he lit the gas trail, and the flames ran up into the house, lighting the fuel inside.
The fire smoldered for a time, according to an arson investigator who testified at the arsonist’s sentencing hearing in March. But once the fire took hold, the mansion’s innovative ventilation design carried the flames upward and eastward, with increasing rapidity. This carried the major part of the fire away from the back porch, even though it was started quite close by, resulting in less severe damage. |
Decorative corbels on the back porch survived the Bidwell Mansion fire, as the design of the building sent most of the flames in a different direction.
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The mansion’s ventilation system helped keep it cool in Chico’s hot summers. But tragically, it also helped it burn when an arsonist decided that was something he wanted to do.
Friday, august 1, 2025The rose in the rubbleThe removal of debris from around Bidwell Mansion also resulted in the removal of a stubborn little rose bush.
After the arson fire last December, 16 roses at the mansion that survived the collapse of rubble were removed, and are in the care of an expert with the Butte Rose Society. One was believed to have been planted by Annie Bidwell. But after that, a small rose bush poked out from beneath the soil, and leafed out amidst the rubble. It was a shoot from a bit of rose stem that had been left beneath the ground when the roses were rescued. But following the completion of outside debris removal this week, the little plant was gone as well. Where Annie Bidwell’s rose garden had been, there was bare dirt. However, roses are very resilient. If that little bit of root is still there—or other bits of root that had been beneath the rubble are still there—it wouldn’t be surprising to see sprouts emerge again. While the park remains closed to the public, the ongoing activity behind the scenes—and small moments like this one—remind us that the story of Bidwell Mansion is still unfolding. We appreciate you staying connected as we continue to share updates and stories like this. |
A volunteer rose pokes up through the wreckage surrounding Bidwell Mansion in this photo taken July 17. The roses in Annie Bidwell’s reconstructed rose garden were removed after last December’s arson fire, but this little bush sprang up from a bit of rootstock that was left behind.
Annie Bidwell’s rose garden had been reconstructed in this area at the southwest corner of Bidwell Mansion. Sixteen rose plants were rescued from this site, and are in the care of an expert with the Butte Rose Society. The area has been cleaned to bare dirt now, but may someday bloom again.
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Friday, July 23, 2025
Bidwell mansion debris removal nears completion
The debris from last December’s arson fire has almost all been moved away from the exterior of Bidwell Mansion as of Thursday, July 24. Some of it still needs to be placed in special garbage bins for removal.
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Most of the debris from the outside of the Bidwell Mansion has been moved away from the building. According to Matt Teague, District Superintendent of the Northern Buttes District, California State Parks, the cleanup is expected to be complete by Monday or Tuesday of next week. As of Thursday, several large piles of material remained inside the fenced area surrounding the structure, waiting to be placed into special hazardous materials bins. Trucks had already begun hauling away filled bins, and Teague confirmed on Friday that a few more were removed that day. However, a couple of bins still need to be loaded and taken off-site. |
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Once this phase of the cleanup is finished, engineers and other specialists will be able to safely enter the mansion to assess its structural integrity and determine whether any artifacts may have survived the fire. The next step will likely involve the start of public outreach meetings to hear what the community would like to see happen with the ruins of the mansion. The contractor hired by the state to lead this effort has reportedly created a website and drafted a preliminary schedule of meetings and events. However, none of these plans are ready to be shared publicly just yet. State Parks anticipates that these meetings will begin later this summer. We will let you know as soon as possible when those dates are confirmed. |
The wreckage that has been placed in bins was being trucked out of the mansion area on Thursday.
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Friday, july 18, 2025
cleanup efforts continue
Most of the debris has been removed from the north and front faces of Bidwell Mansion
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Most of the debris on the front of the house and on the north side has been removed. Progress has been made on the south side, facing Big Chico Creek, but there’s still quite a mess to be cleaned up there.
We’ll focus on the north side today, the side facing the visitor center. It’s an area with some history, because it once included what some have called “the bulge.” That consisted of two additions to the original footprint of the 1868 mansion. In 1908, Annie Bidwell had a new kitchen added north of the original mansion kitchen. In 1927, Chico State added a dining hall to the building, which was then being used as a women’s dormitory. |
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When State Parks took over the mansion in 1964, that space became the park visitor center. It served as the visitor center until 1993, when the new center was built just a bit north.
Both additions were torn down in 1997, although there had been some debate about whether Annie’s kitchen should be saved. The final decision was to restore the mansion to its appearance in 1868. The removal and reconstruction of “the bulge” was done by Chico master builder Tim Simonds. He gave a talk about the process recently at the Chico History Museum. Laura Urseny has written an article based on that talk and additional interviews, and it should appear in the Enterprise Record in the next few days. |
The debris is still piled tall at the southwest corner of Bidwell Mansion
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Photo by Ron Sanford shows ‘the bulge’ before it was torn down in 1997. It consisted of a new kitchen Annie Bidwell had built in 1908, and a dining hall Chico State added in 1927 when the building was being used as a women’s dormitory
Friday, july 11, 2025
debris removal underway
Workers spray the area to keep the dust low as debris is removed.
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Cleanup efforts continue at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. As of Friday, July 11, significant progress has been made. Much of the debris that had been clinging to the north wall of the mansion has now been removed and hauled away. While there’s still a considerable amount left on the ground, the crews are steadily moving forward.
In line with standard hazardous materials procedures, workers are spraying down the area to keep dust—and any potentially harmful particles—from spreading. All on-site personnel are wearing full protective gear, including respirators, to ensure their safety. We’ve been told that exterior debris removal is expected to take a few more weeks. After that, structural evaluations and assessments of the interior can begin. We’ll continue to keep you informed as we learn more. |
tueday, july 8, 2025
Heavey Equipment Arrives for Debris removal
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Heavy equipment arrived at the site to begin removing exterior debris left behind after the December fire. According to Matt Teague, Superintendent of the Northern Buttes District at State Parks, this phase is expected to take approximately three weeks. While it may seem like a slow pace, this careful timeline is necessary due to hazardous materials in the debris and the strict safety protocols required for proper removal.
Much of the exterior wreckage includes the balcony and scaffolding that were in place for the mansion’s restoration, which was nearly complete at the time of the fire. Clearing this debris is the first step toward a full structural evaluation of the building itself. |
We’ve also been informed that State Parks is planning a public engagement process beginning in August. We’ll share more as soon as details are available.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
BIDWELL MANSION ARSONIST SENTENCED TO MAXIMUM PRISON TERM
We are relieved to announce that arsonist Kevin Andrew Carlson has been sentenced to 11 years in state prison for the devastating fire that destroyed Bidwell Mansion on December 11, 2024. In addition to the maximum prison sentence allowed by law, Carlson has been ordered to pay $37.4 million in restitution to California State Parks, with 10% interest accruing from the date of the fire. Carlson's probation report is public information and includes a letter to the judge explaining his actions.
This sentencing follows months of investigation and over 100 victim-impact statements submitted by residents, educators, and historians, all of which expressed the profound sense of loss felt by our community. During the sentencing, the BMA Board President had the opportunity to present BMA's victim-impact statement before the Court, ensuring that the voices of those affected were heard.
While this sentencing brings a measure of justice, it does not undo the loss of Bidwell Mansion or the invaluable history that was destroyed. The fire took more than just a building—it erased irreplaceable artifacts, severed a tangible link to our past, and left a lasting impact on our community.
Now, our focus shifts to the future. The Bidwell Mansion Association remains committed to advocating for the protection of our shared history and ensuring that the story of John and Annie Bidwell and the many communities connected to the Mansion continues to be told.
This sentencing follows months of investigation and over 100 victim-impact statements submitted by residents, educators, and historians, all of which expressed the profound sense of loss felt by our community. During the sentencing, the BMA Board President had the opportunity to present BMA's victim-impact statement before the Court, ensuring that the voices of those affected were heard.
While this sentencing brings a measure of justice, it does not undo the loss of Bidwell Mansion or the invaluable history that was destroyed. The fire took more than just a building—it erased irreplaceable artifacts, severed a tangible link to our past, and left a lasting impact on our community.
Now, our focus shifts to the future. The Bidwell Mansion Association remains committed to advocating for the protection of our shared history and ensuring that the story of John and Annie Bidwell and the many communities connected to the Mansion continues to be told.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Submit a Victim-Impact Statement
We need your voice.
The arson attack on Bidwell Mansion on December 11, 2024, was more than the loss of a historic landmark—it was a devastating blow to our community, our history, and the legacy of the Bidwells. Now that the individual responsible has entered a plea of No Contest, we have an opportunity to ensure the court understands the true impact of this crime.
How You Can Help:
The Butte County District Attorney’s Office is accepting victim-impact statements to be included in the probation report before sentencing. These statements will help the judge recognize the profound loss this crime has caused—not just to a building, but to the generations who have cherished it.
We invite you to submit your own victim-impact statement by Friday, February 28, 2025, on how the loss of the mansion has affected you and our community. These statements can be emailed directly to [email protected].
Your voice matters. Let’s make sure Bidwell Mansion’s legacy is not forgotten and that our community’s loss is fully acknowledged.
The arson attack on Bidwell Mansion on December 11, 2024, was more than the loss of a historic landmark—it was a devastating blow to our community, our history, and the legacy of the Bidwells. Now that the individual responsible has entered a plea of No Contest, we have an opportunity to ensure the court understands the true impact of this crime.
How You Can Help:
The Butte County District Attorney’s Office is accepting victim-impact statements to be included in the probation report before sentencing. These statements will help the judge recognize the profound loss this crime has caused—not just to a building, but to the generations who have cherished it.
We invite you to submit your own victim-impact statement by Friday, February 28, 2025, on how the loss of the mansion has affected you and our community. These statements can be emailed directly to [email protected].
Your voice matters. Let’s make sure Bidwell Mansion’s legacy is not forgotten and that our community’s loss is fully acknowledged.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Justice for Bidwell Mansion: Arsonist Pleads
No Contest
The man responsible for the devastating fire that destroyed Bidwell Mansion has admitted his guilt. Kevin Alexander Carlson, 30, of Chico, appeared in Butte County Superior Court, where he pleaded No Contest to felony arson with the use of an accelerant. He now faces up to 11 years in state prison, with sentencing set for March 5, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Read the press release from the DA's office for more information.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of December 11, 2024, was first detected by Chico State University surveillance cameras. Investigators later determined it was intentionally set using gasoline. A dedicated task force—including law enforcement, fire investigators, and the FBI—worked tirelessly to identify Carlson as the suspect. Surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and Carlson’s own purchases in the days leading up to the fire all pointed to his involvement.
But this crime was more than just arson—it was an attack on a piece of our shared history. Bidwell Mansion was not just a structure; it was a symbol of our community’s past and a space for education and conversation. The loss is deeply felt, and now, as Carlson awaits sentencing, the community has an opportunity to make their voices heard.
Share Your Voice: The Butte County District Attorney’s Office is collecting victim-impact statements to be included in the probation report before sentencing. If Bidwell Mansion held meaning for you, we encourage you to share how its loss has affected you. Statements must be submitted by February 28, 2025, to: [email protected]
Let’s ensure that the gravity of this crime is fully recognized.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of December 11, 2024, was first detected by Chico State University surveillance cameras. Investigators later determined it was intentionally set using gasoline. A dedicated task force—including law enforcement, fire investigators, and the FBI—worked tirelessly to identify Carlson as the suspect. Surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and Carlson’s own purchases in the days leading up to the fire all pointed to his involvement.
But this crime was more than just arson—it was an attack on a piece of our shared history. Bidwell Mansion was not just a structure; it was a symbol of our community’s past and a space for education and conversation. The loss is deeply felt, and now, as Carlson awaits sentencing, the community has an opportunity to make their voices heard.
Share Your Voice: The Butte County District Attorney’s Office is collecting victim-impact statements to be included in the probation report before sentencing. If Bidwell Mansion held meaning for you, we encourage you to share how its loss has affected you. Statements must be submitted by February 28, 2025, to: [email protected]
Let’s ensure that the gravity of this crime is fully recognized.
Monday, January 6, 2025
Press Conference recording
Friday, January 3, 2025
Arson suspect in custody!
We are relieved to announce that an arrest has been made in connection with the devastating fire that destroyed the historic Bidwell Mansion on December 11, 2024.
Thanks to the diligent efforts of Cal Fire, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and State Parks investigators, the suspect, identified as Kevin Alexander Carlson, 30, of Chico, was taken into custody on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and booked at the Butte County Jail on multiple charges, including Penal Code 451(c) Arson.
While the investigation remains ongoing, this significant development is a step toward justice for the loss of our cherished landmark. We are grateful for the tireless work of the investigators and all involved in bringing this case to this point.
For more information, please see the California State Parks news release.
Thanks to the diligent efforts of Cal Fire, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and State Parks investigators, the suspect, identified as Kevin Alexander Carlson, 30, of Chico, was taken into custody on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and booked at the Butte County Jail on multiple charges, including Penal Code 451(c) Arson.
While the investigation remains ongoing, this significant development is a step toward justice for the loss of our cherished landmark. We are grateful for the tireless work of the investigators and all involved in bringing this case to this point.
For more information, please see the California State Parks news release.
wednesday, december 11, 2024
We are heartbROken over the loss of the
bidwell mansion
(Matt Bates/University Photographer/Chico State)
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On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, our community experienced a profound loss with a devastating fire at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Despite the swift and diligent response of fire crews, the mansion could not be saved. Cal Fire, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and State Parks have determined that the fire was the result of arson, though the investigation is still ongoing. At this time, a suspect is in custody and has been arraigned. Structural evaluation of the mansion is still in process, as well as artifact recovery. |
Thankfully, the visitor center, architect’s house, and carriage house were not damaged, though they remain closed. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. If you, or someone you know, have any photos or videos from the fire that may assist investigators, please use the QR code below to upload and submit them to CAL Fire.
As the Board of Directors of the Bidwell Mansion Association, we are heartbroken by the destruction of this historic landmark, a treasured symbol of our community and a cornerstone of California’s history.
Bidwell Mansion has been a place of learning, inspiration, and connection for generations, and its loss is profound. While we grieve this tragedy, we are also committed to finding hope in the days ahead.
We will work closely with State Parks and local authorities as they investigate the fire's cause and assess the damage's extent. As plans to move forward are developed, we will share updates and ways the community can support the mansion's legacy.
If anyone comes across any artifacts, documents, or remnants from the fire, please contact State Parks at 530-922-0934. Recovering even small pieces of the mansion's story is vital to preserving its history.
While the loss is devastating, we have hope that from this tragedy, we can find an opportunity to honor the spirit of resilience, innovation, and community that the Bidwells embodied. Thank you for your support during this challenging time. Together, we will find a way to honor the memory of Bidwell Mansion and ensure its legacy endures.
For more information, please see the California State Parks news release.
As the Board of Directors of the Bidwell Mansion Association, we are heartbroken by the destruction of this historic landmark, a treasured symbol of our community and a cornerstone of California’s history.
Bidwell Mansion has been a place of learning, inspiration, and connection for generations, and its loss is profound. While we grieve this tragedy, we are also committed to finding hope in the days ahead.
We will work closely with State Parks and local authorities as they investigate the fire's cause and assess the damage's extent. As plans to move forward are developed, we will share updates and ways the community can support the mansion's legacy.
If anyone comes across any artifacts, documents, or remnants from the fire, please contact State Parks at 530-922-0934. Recovering even small pieces of the mansion's story is vital to preserving its history.
While the loss is devastating, we have hope that from this tragedy, we can find an opportunity to honor the spirit of resilience, innovation, and community that the Bidwells embodied. Thank you for your support during this challenging time. Together, we will find a way to honor the memory of Bidwell Mansion and ensure its legacy endures.
For more information, please see the California State Parks news release.
(Matt Bates/University Photographer/Chico State)
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(Matt Bates/University Photographer/Chico State)
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(Matt Bates/University Photographer/Chico State)
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If you, or someone you know, have any photos or videos from the fire that may assist investigators, please use the QR code below to upload and submit them to CAL Fire. |
