Bidwell's Bar

No state plaque stands here, only the Native Sons' monument, its cap carved 1917. The marble panel says the courthouse stood 120 yards west of this point, and the bronze at its foot says the point moved a mile. John Bidwell found gold on this bar of the Middle Fork on July 4, 1848, and the camp named for him was the county seat from 1853 to 1856, between Hamilton and Oroville. When Oroville Dam drowned the bar, the monument came up the canyon and was rededicated in 1981. The courthouse site is under the lake.

What the plaque says

1917 Erected by Argonaut Parlor No. 8. Native Sons of the Golden West and Butte County Board of Supervisors to designate the site of the second county seat of Butte County. Bidwell's Bar 1853 - 1856 Site of court house was 120 yds. west of this point marked by small monument. Original site of this monument one mile north-east. Rededicated June 6, 1981 by Argonaut Parlor No. 8 Native Sons of the Golden West

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Nevada City — 30 mi
  Gaslamps, brick storefronts, and the Nisenan who are still fighting to be recognized on their own ground.
• Empire Mine State Historic Park — 32 mi
  The oldest, deepest, richest hard-rock gold mine in California, with 367 miles of flooded tunnels underneath.

More markers nearby

• Old Suspension Bridge — steps away
• Mother Orange Tree of Butte County — 3.2 mi
• Discovery Site of the Last Yahi Indian — 3.9 mi
• Oregon City — 5.5 mi