Camp Bidwell facts for kids
Camp Bidwell, later called Camp Chico, was an important U.S. Army post. It was active during the American Civil War. The camp was located about a mile outside the town of Chico, California.
It was named after John Bidwell, who founded Chico. He was also a brigadier general in the California Militia. The camp was officially started on August 26, 1863. Lieutenant Colonel Ambrose E. Hooker and his soldiers from the 6th California Infantry set it up. Before this, some soldiers from the 2nd California Cavalry and 2nd California Infantry were already there. However, Lt. Col. Hooker moved the camp to a new spot. This new location was better for defense and keeping things clean.
By early 1865, people started calling it Camp Chico. This was because a new camp named Camp Bidwell was set up far away in northeastern California. That new camp later became Fort Bidwell. To avoid confusion, it was common for the Army to transfer names between different posts back then.
Who Led Camp Bidwell?
Several officers were in charge of Camp Bidwell during its time. They made sure the soldiers were ready and the camp ran smoothly.
- Lt. Colonel Ambrose E. Hooker: August 26, 1863 – October 20, 1863
- Captain Augustus W. Starr: October 20, 1863 – April 1864
- Captain James C. Doughty: June 1864 – May 1865
Soldiers at the Camp
Different groups of soldiers, called garrisons, were stationed at Camp Bidwell. These units helped keep the peace and protect the area during the Civil War.
- Company F, 2nd California Cavalry: July 1863 – April 1864
- Company K, 2nd California Infantry: August 16, 1863 – October 26, 1863
- Company A, 6th California Infantry: August 26, 1863 – October 20, 1863
- Company B, 1st Battalion California Volunteer Mountaineers: May 1864 (approx.)
- Company I, 2nd California Cavalry: June 1864 – May 1865
