Category Archives: Uncategorized

What were the essentials for a journey to a new country, a journey that might take up to six months far away from towns, stores, or farms? First of all, a man needed information, and there was no public library … Continue reading →

“As the time approached I became very anxious about the expedition but supposed a few would go with me. Finally I could not find a single member of the company that was sure to go.  I went forward with my … Continue reading →

Is it any wonder that John Bidwell wanted to stay when he saw country like this on his first journey through Northern California in 1843?

I went to the Bancroft Library on Monday. on the way home from Livermore (where I have a brand-new grand-daughter) to Chico. I love to visit the Bancroft—the reading room is so quiet, so academic, so civilized. It feels like … Continue reading →

You can help maintain Chico’s foremost historical landmark by joining the Bidwell Mansion Association. The BMA supports the restoration, preservation, and interpretation of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Member benefits include receiving a newsletter, The Mansion, where you can read … Continue reading →

One of the attractions of California down through the ages has been its healthy climate. While still in Missouri, John Bidwell had met a fur trader named Antoine Robidoux who described California as a place of “perennial spring and boundless … Continue reading →

Bodega, Port of the Russians Upper California, March 30th, 1842 Most Esteemed Sir:–Owing to circumstances I am compelled to abridge my journal and likewise a description of the country so far as I have been able to travel. By perusing … Continue reading →

February 5th. Bright, clear and warm. February 6th. Same. February 7th. Rainy. February 8th. This morning snowed 5 minutes. That was the weather report from the California coast in February 1842. John Bidwell spent all of 1842 at Bodega Bay … Continue reading →

John Bidwell probably discovered miner’s lettuce the first winter that he lived in California. After a steady diet of beef, beans, and game, anything green would be welcomed for the sake of variety, if nothing else. Miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata) … Continue reading →

In January 1842 Bidwell was living at Bodega Bay and supervising work at Fort Ross. But where was he and what was he doing a year earlier in 1841? He had staked a claim in the Platte Purchase in Missouri … Continue reading →