Chico fire destroys historic Bidwell mansion

A fire has destroyed one of Northern California’s most iconic homes.

The famous Bidwell Mansion caught fire around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday in Chico. A photo obtained by Action News Now shows the property in flames.

The house is part of a state historical park. It has been under restoration since May and is temporarily closed to the public.

California pioneer John Bidwell completed construction of the three-story, 26-room Victorian home in 1868. Guests who visited included President Rutherford B. Hayes, Civil War General William Sherman and women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony.

It was unclear what started the fire and whether anyone was injured.

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