06/30/2026
Happy birthday, Annie!
Happy Birthday to Annie Bidwell! 🎂 Annie was born on June 30th, 1839. Most of you know that Annie gifted Bidwell Park to the city and lived in the Bidwell Mansion, but what else do you know about her?
Annie Ellicott Kennedy was born in Pennsylvania. Her father, Joseph C. Kennedy, served as director of the United States Census. Annie married Congressman John Bidwell in 1868 in Washington D.C. – their wedding was attended by esteemed guests, such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, President Andrew Johnson, and future president Ulysses S. Grant.
Annie was a devout Christian, and very involved in several social causes throughout her life. For the time, she was very progressive. She was a life member of the National Woman Suffrage Association (advocating for women’s right to vote), and hosted friends like Susan B. Anthony at the Bidwell Mansion.
She was also a member of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (a women’s rights org to combat the influence of alcohol on families and society), and also served as Vice President of the Women’s National Indian Association (which advocated for the rights and citizenship of indigenous people, as well as their assimilation to Christianity).
Come visit the Chico History Museum Thu–Sun, 11 AM–4 PM and ask our docents what fun facts they know about Annie Bidwell!
