Category Archives: Uncategorized

John Bidwell knew he was in California when he arrived at John Marsh’s rancho on November 4, 1841. Like most Americans who came to California in the 1840s, he went to John Sutter to find work. By Christmas Day, Bidwell had … Continue reading →

In his book The Other Slavery, historian Andrés Reséndez reveals a missing piece of American history — the enslavement of Native Americans. From the first days of Columbus in the Caribbean down to the 20th century, Indians were pressed into … Continue reading →

On December 8 and 9, 1848 (168 years ago), news of the gold discovery in California was first reported in the New York Daily Tribune. The first report was a letter written on August 17th from Monterey by Col. Richard … Continue reading →

The Association for Northern California Historical Research has just launched its new book: The Road to Cherokee, by Mary Ray King. This work of fiction is a first for ANCHR, a historical romance set in Butte County, focusing on two … Continue reading →

File this under “They Don’t Write Newspapers Like They Used To”— 100 years ago: WYANDOTTE HAS ELIGIBLE BACHELORS FOR RICH CHICO WIDOWS — BUT NOT ENOUGH (Originally published in the Oroville Mercury and republished in the Chico Daily Enterprise Nov. … Continue reading →

From Annie Bidwell’s Diary: Fri., Nov. 28 [1890] Perfect day. Rev. Mr Murrish & wife, Rev & Mrs Reames, Rev & Mrs Green dined with us at one O’Clock today. Came at noon, left about 4 P.M. Had excellent dinner … Continue reading →

When we moved to Chico 25 years ago, our youngest daughter started Kindergarten at Neal Dow School. I wondered who Neal Dow was and why he had a school named after him. He must have been some prominent Chicoan. When … Continue reading →

Between Bidwell Mansion and Chico High School is a street named Frances Willard Avenue. It’s a short residential street in the area known as Mansion Park, and runs two blocks west of The Esplanade and one block east. Frances Willard … Continue reading →

On this date 175 years ago, John Bidwell and most of the rest of the Bidwell-Bartleson Party reached the home of John Marsh near Mount Diablo.  They were at last in California and they knew it. The long journey was … Continue reading →

Tuesday, 2nd.  Capt. B. with his 7 remained to take care of the meat he had killed — while the rest of the Company went on. We passed some beautiful grapes, sweet and pleasant.  . .  Behold! This morning Jones, … Continue reading →