Little Known Episode in John Bidwell’s History: Thwarting the
1851 Federal Indian Treaty By Michele Shover, professor emerita,
Political Science In mid-August of that year, 200 members from
Mountain and Foothill Maidu tribelets as well as 100 or so
Valley Maidus gathered on the ranch at Bidwell’s request to
consider a federal treaty. They moved back and forth from their
tree-sheltered encampments, scattered to avoid old enemies but
close enough to meet with friends. At large campfires, the
Mechoopda Maidus roasted slabs of government beef, which
rewarded each arriving group. The amount of beef would later
become an issue. While some Mountain Maidus were reluctant to
enter rival Maidu turf without protection, their curiosity
prevailed. They recalled many tribal “Big Times” there for trade
with the Mechoopdas. Of course, when the best bow maker or other
artisan was one of their own, they had held the get-togethers.
But when a Valley Indian was the master builder, the advantage
shifted and Mountain Indians becam