Rancho Chico: Bidwell and Chico’s Farming Roots

Chico began as a farm. John Bidwell bought the 26,000-acre Rancho Chico in the 1840s and ran it as a place to try crops from around the world. This page sticks to the State’s historic-landmark text and says what we could not confirm.

Checked November 1, 2026

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• 26,000acres, Rancho Chico, per the State
• 1845–50when Bidwell purchased it, per the State
• 1865mansion construction began, per the State

• What the State Says
• Visit the Mansion
• Before You Go: Check These
• Questions People Ask

What The State Says

The California Office of Historic Preservation’s landmark entry says “the 26,000-acre Rancho Chico was purchased in 1845-50 by John Bidwell,” that he began building the mansion in 1865, and that his “greatest contribution” was in agriculture. It adds that “plants from all over the world were introduced to Rancho Chico,” which helped establish California’s agricultural economy.

Visit The Mansion

Our Bidwell Mansion page covers visiting. For the story of the town, see History. Mechoopda history is told only through the Tribe’s own pages; we do not retell it here.

Questions People Ask

How big was Rancho Chico?

The State’s landmark entry says 26,000 acres.

What did Bidwell contribute to agriculture?

The State calls agriculture his greatest contribution and says plants from all over the world were introduced to the rancho.

More in Agriculture

• Agriculture Home
• Rice Country
• Richvale
• Rice and Wildlife
• Almond Country
• Walnuts, Prunes and Other Crops
• Paradise Apple Orchards
• Rancho Chico Farming History
• Chico State University Farm
• Farmers Markets and Farm Stands
• Farm Year Calendar

Sources

1. California Office of Historic Preservation, Rancho Chico and Bidwell Adobe: https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ListedResources/Detail/329 (checked November 1, 2026)