Bidwell Mansion is certainly one of those iconic buildings in Chico that everyone who lived here for any length of time - had a story to tell, remembered it as a part of their walk to campus or toured it on a school field trip. I am no exception. My freshman year of college at Chico State University, Chico my roommate and I were in a class called UNIV 101 where we were involved with learning about the town and the culture, campus, etc. I remember the tour guide asking our group if there was anyone who played piano and my roommate rose her hand - she had the opportunity to play a song she wrote on Annie Bidwell's piano in the front room.


Unfortunately, in January 2025 Bidwell Mansion was set ablaze in an arson fire and was destroyed. I went by "after the dust settled" and took some photos after the first rain. It was amazing to witness the building stripped back to her bones - to see each brick that someone laid by hand - before being plastered and painted the way we knew the building in recent years. I couldn't take my eyes off of the details that were exposed - the charred wood beams - the contrast between the peach exterior we know and the charred remains of the fire.


The images below were taken by Courtney Rae of Bright Side Photography Co.

Weathered and charred window frame of a burned building with peeling paint and exposed brick walls.
Heavily damaged brick buildings show aftermath of destruction with crumbling walls and exposed structural elements.
Red carnations tied to a chain link fence with a weathered stone church building in soft focus in the background.
Deteriorating brick bell tower with arched windows stands against cloudy sky showing architectural decay and abandon.
Crumbling brick wall and damaged chimney of an old ruined building against trees in background.
Damaged brick building with burned and deteriorating roof showing exposed structural elements and chimney.
Charred and deteriorating brick facade of an old building with damaged black metal awning and exposed architectural details.
Old weathered brick archway with peeling paint and exposed mortar in a dilapidated wall.
Weathered brick wall with exposed plaster and decaying architectural details shows urban deterioration and decay.
Charred wooden beams and structural damage show the aftermath of a house fire with bare trees in the background.

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES ABOUT THE FIRE

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Severely Damaged by Fire

https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1340


California State Parks Arrests Suspect in Connection with Bidwell Mansion Fire

https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1344


All images above taken by Courtney Rae of Bright Side Photography Co.

Please contact directly before using images.