John Bidwell began construction of the mansion on his 26,000 acres (110 km2) Rancho del Arroyo Chico in 1865, during his courtship of Annie Ellicott Kennedy.

After their marriage in 1868, the three-story, 26-room Victorian house became the social and cultural center of the upper Sacramento Valley.

[6] When constructed, Bidwell Mansion featured modern plumbing, gas lighting and water systems.

[citation needed] From 1925 to 1935, Bidwell Mansion served as a dormitory for Chico State Teachers College female students.

[7] The mansion was later dubbed "Bidwell Hall" and housed the art and home economics departments.