Fort Bidwell in Modoc County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Fort Bidwell Military Post

1865 - 1892

1. Fort Bidwell Military Post Marker

Inscription.
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 month for this entry is August 1865.

Location. 41° 51.455′ N, 120° 9.13′ W. Marker is in Fort Bidwell, California, in Modoc County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is on California’s Modoc Plateau

and in the Shasta Cascade.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

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.

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7.3 miles away); Applegate Trail - Descent to Lassen Creek (approx. 8.6 miles away); First Baptist Church of Goose Lake (approx. 12 miles away in Oregon); a different marker also named The Applegate Trail (approx. 12.9 miles away in Oregon). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Bidwell.

Regarding Fort Bidwell Military Post. In 1949 this was designated California Historical Landmark No. 430 - “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 yet been replaced.

Abandoned School at Fort Bidwell image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Abandoned School at Fort Bidwell

Fort Bidwell Hospital Ruins image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

3. Fort Bidwell Hospital Ruins

Enlisted Barracks - 1890 image. Click for full size.

Public Domain

4. Enlisted Barracks - 1890

Fort Bidwell General Store - Founded 1876 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

5. Fort Bidwell General Store - Founded 1876

Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 755 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 2, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.