This picture is of General John Bidwell's mansion in Chico, California. Make note of the very large tree. It is a Southern Magnolia, planted as a sapling in 1863! The mansion it stands in front of was started in 1865 and completed in 1868. General William T. Sherman visited his friend Mr. Bidwell here sometime after the Civil War, whom he had met when Sherman was a 1st Lt. in 1847 and stationed in California. Mrs. Bidwell(Annie Ellicott Kennedyof Washington D.C.) would not allow smoking or drinking in her home and Sherman was reported a bit uncomfortable at not being able to be himself.

I've never seen a magnolia that big before. To give you an idea to the top of the tower is about 55-60 feet high from the ground.

_____________________________
David Upton