Fort Bidwell in Modoc County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Fort Bidwell Military Post
1865 - 1892
Photographed By Craig Baker
1. Fort Bidwell Military Post Marker
Monument marks site of old Fort Bidwell military post, established in August, 1865, to protect pioneer settlers of this vicinity from marauding bands of Indians. Abandoned as an Army post in 1892.
Erected 1949 by California Centennials Commission; Alturas Parlor No. 159 N.D.G.W.; Fort Bidwell Civic Club; and Fort Bidwell Indians. (Marker Number 430.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1965.
Location. 41° 51.455′ N, 120° 9.13′ W. Marker is in Fort Bidwell, California, in Modoc County. Marker is at the intersection of Bridge Street and Mail Street, on the left when traveling west on Bridge Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Bidwell CA 96112, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Applegate Trail (approx. 4.8 miles away); The Applegate-Lassen Trail (approx. 4.8 miles away); Applegate Trail - Fandango Pass Descent (approx. 4.8 miles away); Applegate Trail - Fandango Pass Ascent (approx. 4.9 miles away); Applegate Trail - Through the Forest (approx. 7.3 miles away); Applegate Trail - Descent to Lassen Creek
this page online
Regarding Fort Bidwell Military Post. In 1949 this was designated California Historical Landmark No. 430 - Fort Bidwell. “Fort Bidwell, named for John Bidwell, was established in 1865. The fort, which operated until 1893, was one of the last early military posts north of Benicia to be abandoned. From 1898 to 1930, the fort served as a non-reservation boarding school for Indians.”
The town that grew near the fort has the same name as the fort, and the fort is now the Fort Bidwell Indian Reservation. The plaque was removed because of improper wording, and has not been replaced.
Photographed By Craig Baker
2. Abandoned School at Fort Bidwell
Photographed By Craig Baker
3. Fort Bidwell Hospital Ruins
Public Domain
4. Enlisted Barracks - 1890
Photographed By Craig Baker
5. Fort Bidwell General Store - Founded 1876
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 64 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 2, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
