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| California's third state capital building |
Another interesting side note is that General Vallejo had intended the town be named "Francisca" however a town to the south / southwest called Yerba Buena had changed it's name to San Francisco.
The Capitals of Early California
After the United States took possession of California and voted it in as a state in 1850, a capital needed to be selected. During Spanish and later Mexican rule of what was called Alta California the capital had been in Monterey.
The first state capital in California was a two story adobe structure in San Jose. The site in San Jose was used until May 1851. The second site selected was Vallejo, just a few miles to the west of Benicia. Construction problems and inadequate roads delayed construction to the point where legislators ended up on the steamer Empire. Part of the legislative session during the first half of 1852 was held in Sacramento while the official capital was still Vallejo. This lasted until February 1853 when a move was made to Benicia.
The legislative session began in Benicia in February 1853. By the time the state capital moved to Benicia, the town had already seen good growth. Benicia, which had incorporated in 1850, had been chosen as the site of an ordinance depot and military post. In 1850, the military reservation known as "The Arsenal" became the first ordnance supply depot on the West Coast,
The state capital building in Benicia was a large two story brick building with columns and pillars at it's entrance. This new stately structure lasted as California's capital for a short 13 months. All was well during 1853 but when the legislative session began in 1854, the state once again was looking for a new capital site. Reportedly over 100 men had to sleep in saloons and because of this lack of adequate accommodation the town of Sacramento, a town with some 55 hotels, was chosen as the next California capital site. Sacramento's more than ample hotel space could lodge everyone needed to run the state government. Sacramento's rapid growth of course was due to it's proximity to the Gold Rush fields.
You may enjoy the Western Trips articles on the links below. These are additional historical sites near Benicia California you may want to add to your California trip planner.
John Muir National Historic Site / Martinez CA
John Muir and the Greening of America
The Historic Camel Barns / Benicia Arsenal
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| Inside the front entrance |
Benicia Capitol State Historic Park is the site of California's third seat of government. The original capital building, which was originally built to be Benicia's City Hall, has been restored with reconstructed period furnishings and exhibits.
The interior includes a board-for-board reconstruction of the building’s original floor with ponderosa pine. The building contains original furnishings, historic documents,the state seal embossing press, and an 1850s safe. The Senate and Assembly chambers appear as they were during Benicia’s Capitol days. The Benicia Capitol State Historic Park location is 115 West G Street in Benicia.
People who have researched the California Gold Rush know that there were hundreds of ships abandoned in San Francisco Bay by crews heading for the gold fields. In fact, there were so many abandoned vessels that eventually some were used as landfill. These abandoned vessels also contributed to Benicia's capital building. The impressive building was constructed in just three months from bricks and architectural materials salvaged from abandoned ships in San Francisco Bay.
The former capital building was constructed in a Greek Revival/Palladian style. Palladio was an Italian Renaissance architect whose designs were the main influence on British Palladianism. His Classical style was based on ancient Roman architecture, which he studied both through books of theory and the surviving buildings.
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| Benicia's tree lined downtown district |
Benicia has been inspiring authors, sculptors and painters for more than 160 years with its beautiful setting, vibrant cultural scene and small city charm. Take a walking tour of the historic downtown district and you'll find unique shopping and dining.
Benicia features three world class art glass studios. The Sacramento Bee reported that Benicia California is "the best kept little secret in the San Francisco Bay Area". The Los Angeles Times called Benicia "a Bay Area artists haven".
The waterfront is just a short walk from downtown and the old state capital building. The waterfront is in use today for both commercial and recreational purposes. Stroll to Benicia's waterfront and you'll get some breathtaking views.
When you visit Benicia you'll definitely want to add a stop at the old Benicia Arsenal just a few miles northeast of the historic downtown district.
(Article and photos copyright 2014 Western Trips)
