| California (Solano County), Benicia — 176 — 1849 - Benicia Arsenal – 1964 |
| | On this historic site for more than a century military history was written. The loyalty, courage, and devotion of the military and the civilian who served their country here furnished material for a brilliant page in the saga of the far west. What we say here – will like autumn leaves, soon fall and fade away. What they did here will live forever. As the final curtain falls on the 115th anniversary of the founding of Benicia Arsenal, a grateful nation salutes you. — Map (db m16297) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — 1854 – Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church – 1954 — In Honor of the One Hundredth Anniversary |
| | Founded September 24, 1854, with the first service conducted by lay reader Major F. D. Townsend, U.S. Army, in the “Old Capital Building”, constructed from plans presented by Colonel Julian McAlister, of the Benicia Arsenal, in April 1859; Consecrated on February 12, 1860 by the Right Reverend William Ingraham Kip, D.D., First Episcopal Bishop of California; The Cathedral of the Missionary District of Northern California, 1874 – 1899. Under the Right Reverend J.H.D. Wingfield, . . . — Map (db m16322) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — Antonio M. De LaGuerra 1825 – ‘81 |
| | This tablet dedicated to his memory. He was State Senator 1852-1853; Mayor of Santa Barbara, Captain of California Volunteers serving in Arizona during the Civil War 1861-1865. He was a loyal member of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E. Clampus Vitus. — Map (db m16368) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — 177 — Benicia Barracks Site |
| | [Marker read:]
Benicia Barracks, established on April 30, 1849 and organized by Brevet Lt. Col. Silas Casey, 2nd U.S. Infantry, was the U.S. Army headquarters for the Department of the Pacific from 1851-1857. Also known as the 'Post near Benicia,' it remained a garrison installation until 1898. The post hospital, built in 1856, is the only remaining structure associated with the original Barracks. The Barracks became part of the Benicia Arsenal, which closed in 1964. — Map (db m16296) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — Camel Barns — Built in 1853 and 1854 Cost $10,000 and $12,000 |
| | These finely crafted sandstone buildings were originally constructed for use as warehouses. They gained their name and fame, however, during a brief period in 1863-64 when they were used to stable a herd of camels imported by the U.S. Army for transportation in the American desert. — Map (db m16301) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — Clock Tower — Built in 1859 |
| | The first stone fortress in the far west. Originally had two towers, but following an accidental explosure in 1912, it was rebuilt with only one tower and the present clock was installed. Buring the building’s history, it has served as a chapel, munitions depot, and as a National Guard Armory. — Map (db m16305) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — Dedicated to the Memory of Pony Express Riders — 1860 The Knights of the Saddle 1861 |
| | William Hamilton, the first Pony Express rider to reach Benicia on the final relay. Carrying the mail from St. Joseph, Missouri to California. Arrived in this city April 23, 1860, at 7 a.m. Thomas J. Bedford, a young Benician, took the mochila by ferry across Carquinez Straits to San Francisco via Martinez and Oakland. — Map (db m16325) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — 174 — First Masonic Hall Built in California |
| | The first Masonic hall built in California was begun in the summer of 1850, occupied by the lodge October 14, 1850, and formally dedicated December 27, 1850. This building served as the Masonic Temple for Benicia Lodge No. 5 until 1888, when the new temple was occupied. It was used by a boys' club prior to World War I and by the American Legion shortly after the war. It was reacquired by Benicia Lodge No. 5 in 1950. — Map (db m16317) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — 880 — Fischer-Hanlon House |
| | In 1849, Joseph Fischer, a Swiss immigrant, came to Benicia. After joining a butcher partnership, Fischer purchased this lot on July 1, 1858. The house, reputed to be an old hotel was relocated here. The converted building is an outstanding example of East Coast federalist styling, which illustrates architectural diffusion during the Gold Rush. — Map (db m16334) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — Founders of Benicia — 1847 |
| | . . . — Map (db m16360) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — Jack London |
| | To remember
JACK LONDON
The author
whi immortalized
this locality in
”John Barleycorn”
and
”Tales of the Fish Patrol” — Map (db m16329) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — 15 — Merritt House C. 1869 — Also known as the What-Not-Shop |
| | Original two story front portion of this building has mortise and tenon-frame walls with solid wood plank sheathing inside.
Preservation by Carl & Alice Merritt
Mayors Award 1990 — Map (db m25892) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — 153 — Old State Capitol |
| | Erected in 1852, this historic building was ostensibly intended for Benicia City Hall, offered as the State Capitol and promptly accepted, it had that honor from February 4, 1853 to February 25, 1854. Deeded to state in 1951, it was one of the four locations of the “Capitol on Wheels.” — Map (db m16375) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — Pony Express Ferry “Carquinez” |
| | [Front of Marker:]
Dedicated April 23, 2000
by
James Stretesky
Benicia Historical Society
Benicia (N.S.G.W.) Native Sons
Richard & Veronica Tipton
Benicia Camel Barn Museum
Exxon Mobile, Benicia Refinery
Benicia Chamber of Commerce
Benicia Volunteer Fire Department
Pony Express Trail Association
[A list of sponsors is on bottom of base]
[Back of marker:]
Captain Oliver C. Coffin and his brothers purchased the ferry “Carquinez” from an eastern . . . — Map (db m16327) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — Robert Semple |
| | Robert Semple, chief founder of Benicia, negotiated with General M.G. Vallejo for the land and suggested new city be named after General’s wife, Francisca Benicia, selecting Francisca. Officials of Yerba Buena objected and by ordinance changed that city’s name to San Francisco. Semple then renamed the new city, calling it Benicia. Was member city council, established first ferry between Benicia and Rancho Martinez, was one of publishers of first American newspaper in California, and Chairman of Constitutional Convention at Monterey. — Map (db m16371) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — 862 — Saint Paul's Episcopal Church |
| | Designed in 1859 by Lt. Julian McAllister and built by shipwrights of the Pacific Mail and Steamship Company, St. Paul's is an outstanding example of early California Gothic ecclesiastical architecture. Notable for its fine craftsmanship, this building has continuously served the Episcopal Church since its consecration by the Rt. Rev. William Ingraham Kip in 1860. — Map (db m16318) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — 795 — Site of Benicia Seminary |
| | [Marker mounted on front of base (Photo #1]
The birthplace of Mills College, founded in 1852 as the Young Ladies' Seminary of Benicia. Acquired from Mary Atkins by Cyrus and Susan Mills in 1865. It was moved to its present site in Oakland in 1871 and was chartered as a college by the State of California in 1885.
[Marker mounted on back of base (Photo #2]
To Remember
The pioneers who believed in education
and supported it: The teachers who
dedicated themselves to . . . — Map (db m16312) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — 175 — Site of the First Protestant Church in California |
| | On this site was organized by the Rev. Sylvester Woodbridge, Jr., on April 15, 1949 the First Presbyterian Church of Benicia. This was the first protestant church established in California with an ordained resident pastor. The church of disbanded in 1875. — Map (db m16315) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet — The Fleet |
| | Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet is part of the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF), owned and operated by U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD). Established by the Merchant Ship Act of 1946, NDRF serves as a reserve which could be activated to meet shipping requirements during national emergencies. During World War II, over 3000 commercial type ships were built by the Maritime Commission to support the Allied war effort. After the war, those ships that could not be . . . — Map (db m10794) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — The Bohn Building — John Augustus Bohn — City Attorney of Benicia 1948-1968 |
| | Architect and driving force behind the modernization of Highway 780, the first State Capitol Building, the Benicia State Park, First Street Development, the Benicia City Water System, and the Benicia Industrial Park.
He gave his vision, his determination, and his energy so that the City of Benicia might achieve its potential.
Dedicated July 18, 1991 — Map (db m25895) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — 973 — Turner/Robertson Shipyard — 1882 – 1918 |
| | In 1882, Mathew Turner of San Francisco relocated his shipyard to Benicia. Turner, the most prodigious shipbuilder in North America, constructed 228 vessels, 169 of which were launched here. In 1913, the shipyard was purchased by James Robertson, who operated it until 1918. The yard sways, and the Whaler "Stambohl", used as a shipyard work platform, are visible at low tide. — Map (db m16337) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — World War I Memorial |
| | IN MEMORY
of
Edmund Rudolf Anderson
Karl H. Dauber
Walter E. Erickson
James John Pometta
David Allen Richie
Arthur Rood
Chris Condare
Who gave their lives in the World War — Map (db m16354) |
| California (Solano County), Birds Landing — Birds Landing - Benjamin's Store |
| | In 1869 John Bird constructed a wharf and warehouse on Montezuma Slough. Soon, one mile east of the wharf, a community began to evolve. A blacksmith shop came first, and then the store was built in 1875. In this year the town was officially named Birds Landing and Bird was named postmaster. By 1878 the town boasted a butcher shop, a saloon, shoemaker and a furniture business. In 1880 Bird bought one half interest in the store. Chris and Evelyn Benjamin bought the store from Bird in 1921 and . . . — Map (db m16923) |
| California (Solano County), Cordelia — Cordelia |
| | Established in the early 1850's by Captain Robert Waterman and named for his wife, Cordelia. The name was changed to Bridgeport after his home in Connecticut and then again to Cordelia. Intended as a major townsite to serve the shipping trade on the Suisun Marsh, it was used primarily for shipping cobblestones to San Francisco from the local rock quarry, Cordelia's largest industry. In the towns prime it contained three hotels, several general stores and other commercial establishments which . . . — Map (db m26211) |
| California (Solano County), Cordelia — Thompson's Corner Saloon - 1902 |
| | Henry "Old Man" Studer and his brother Jim, built this community gathering spot. Studer was the proprietor of the oldest bar in Solano County, which he relocated here. Dancing and entertainment were available upstairs and local lore is that a brothel was included in these offerings. On 11-20-26 the San Francisco Orchestra played for an all night dance. Charles Thompson owned the building sometime after 1940. It is the only commercial establishment still doing business in central Cordelia. This . . . — Map (db m26239) |
| California (Solano County), Fairfield — 779 — Rockville Stone Chapel |
| | Erected by pioneers of Methodist Episcopal Church South with volunteer labor and donated funds. Cornerstone laid October 3, 1856. Dedicated February 1857. Site supplied by Landy and Sandy Alford. Chapel deteriorated by 1929 and deeded by the church to Rockville Public Cemetery District as a pioneer monument.
Restored in 1940. — Map (db m16294) |
| California (Solano County), Fairfield — Vezér Family Vineyard |
| | This site was originally constructed in 1860 as the Suisun Valley General Mercantile & original Pony Express station.
The Vezer Family provides this facility for the enjoyment of the families of this wonderful valley and gives special recognition to its pioneers.
We dedicate this facility in loving memory of our son "John John".
August 7, 2007
A special thanks to:
Issam Mizirawi, General Manager
Ron Nicoli, Project Manager
Castle Rock Construction, General . . . — Map (db m25058) |
| California (Solano County), Rio Vista — Humphrey the Humpback Whale |
| | Donated to:
Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce
and
City of Rio Vista
to remember the visit of
Humphrey
the Humpback Whale
Oct. 10, 1985 - Nov. 4, 1985
Humphrey the Humpback Whale,
a mighty whale was he
He swam into the Delta, to see what he could see
The people stood and stared, and the fish were scared
He was famous across the nation, until they ended his vacation
Richard Fonbuens, Age 12
Donated by: Silva's Memorial's
Vallejo-Antioch, Ca. Dedicated Jan. 31, . . . — Map (db m17189) |
| California (Solano County), Rio Vista — Pony Express River Streamer “New World” |
| | [Front of Marker]
Dedicated April 3, 1997
RIO VISTA
by
James Stretesky
The Dutra Group
Barrier Systems, Inc.
Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce
Pony Express Trail Association
Sponsors are listed on bottom of base
[Back of Marker]
In 1860 – 1861 Rio Vista was located 17 miles north of here. The Pony Express Mail was usually carried both ways between the cities of San Francisco and Sacramento via steamboat slough by the California Steam Navigation . . . — Map (db m18276) |
| California (Solano County), Rio Vista — Veterans of Foreign Wars |
| |
In memory of veterans
in the service of our
country who gave of their
lives that we might live free
30 May 1994
Rio Vista Post 11389
{Veterans' names on marker listed below:}
Frank L. Kroutch, Cartland L. Lent, Louis L. Silva, John E. Gomez, Harold Jessee, William L. Peters, Bobby Weiss, Wilbur Hilderbrand, James Tuinstra, Oscar P. Cardoza, Daniel Caldeira, William C. Gomez, Alvie C. Wyatt, William H. Hechtman, and Adam G. Kinser. — Map (db m17188) |
| California (Solano County), Vacaville — Gillespie’s Store |
| |
[Front of Marker:]
IN SEARCH OF THE PONY EXPRESS
STATION MARKER
Dedicated April 23, 1997
GILLESPIE’S STORE
Added Station
Apr 23, 1860 – Sep 8, 1861
by
Dave & Buff Fleming
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Vacaville Chamber of Commerce
Pony Express Trail Association
[A list of donors is on bottom of base.
[Back of marker:]
Gillespie’s Store stood at this spot. This was also a Wells, Fargo & Co. Office. E. F. Gillespie was their first agent . . . — Map (db m16833) |
| California (Solano County), Vacaville — Pena Adobe Park — City of Vacaville |
| | Dedicated to the Pena and Vaca families who in 1842 settled what became the Rancho Los Putos, choosing this valley for their homes.
Pause and enjoy the heritage of the hills, lake and valley which the pioneers called Laguna.
Bienvenidos Amigos Caminantes a un Descanso en la Serenidad de Este Valle Encantado — Map (db m14138) |
| California (Solano County), Vacaville — Pioneer Monument |
| | This pioneer monument is dedicated to the people who brought civilization to Solano County – one of whom was Edwin Markham, the poet, who grew to manhood in this Lagoon Valley, rimmed by what he called his summer hills. Names of a few of the other pioneers are as follows:
[Column 1]
Juan Felipe Pena, Juan Manuel Vaca, Mason Wilson, William McDaniel, Lansing B. Mizner, Frank K. Buck, Dr. Robert Semple, William Gordon, Dr. Platon Vallejo, Justice Jos. McRenta, Elijan B. Silvet, . . . — Map (db m14136) |
| California (Solano County), Vacaville — 534 — Rancho Los Putos |
| | This is the site of Rancho Los Putos of 10 square leagues granted in 1845 by Governor Pio Pico granted to Juan Felipe Peña and Manuel Cabeza Vaca. The Peña Adobe, erected here in 1842, is still owned by the descendants of the Pena-Vaca families. The town of Vacaville nearby, was established in 1851 on land sold by Vaca to William McDaniel. — Map (db m10821) |
| California (Solano County), Vacaville — Site of First Business Building of Record — 1855 — Vacaville |
| | On this site once stood a two-story wooden structure built by E. F. Gillespie. It served as his general merchandise store until 1863. The Masonic Lodge was headquartered upstairs. The building was removed in 1897. — Map (db m16838) |
| California (Solano County), Vacaville — The Andrew Carnegie Public Library — 1915-1965 |
| | The Ulatis Book Club initiated an early effort in 1905 to obtain a Carnegie Library Building Fund Grant. This effort was taken over in 1910 by the Saturday Club, which campaigned to establish a library district under the jurisdiction of the Vacaville High School District. In 1914, the Carnegie Fund offered Vacaville $12,500 towards a library if the town provided the land. Two months later, contractor George Sharpe won the bid at $11,815 and built the reinforced concrete library with its Carnegie façade in six months. — Map (db m16845) |
| California (Solano County), Vacaville — The Odd Fellows Hall — Vacaville |
| | The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.,) Vacaville Lodge No. 83, re-built this structure of brick and cast-iron columns in 1889. The previous two building burned in 1877 and 1884. The earthquake of 1892 seriously damaged the front of the building. The building still rents the stores below to maintain the meeting hall above. The I.O.O.F. is a benevolent, fraternal organization dedicated to the betterment of the community. The Vacaville Lodge No. 83 was chartered in 1859 as one of . . . — Map (db m17636) |
| California (Solano County), Vacaville — Triangle Building — 1898 — Vacaville |
| | This two-story building with three storerooms on the first floor, 16 office rooms upstairs and a basement, was built for Charlotte A. Hutton. — Map (db m16841) |
| California (Solano County), Vacaville — Walker Opera House |
| | Kentucky native Sidney Clay Walker crossed the plains in 1850 and in 1872 settled in the Vaca Valley where he eventually owned 1,200 acres. He was an organizer of the Vacaville Water and Light Company in the 1890's and in 1896 built this brick building complete with electric lights. It originally housed three stores on the ground floor, three offices upstairs as well as a large hall with a stage and seating for 600. Since Walker's death in 1908 the building has housed a lodge hall, a movie . . . — Map (db m17661) |
| California (Solano County), Vacaville — William Gordon Huff — In Expression of Gratitude |
| | In recognition for his continuous dedication to the preservation of western history through his world – renowned artistic endeavors: for expressing his love of the Order through the sculptured likeness of the men who have labored to preserve and sustain it: and for never failing to spread, by example, kindness, pride, humor and good fellowship throughout the organization. He himself stands as a character portrait of the great and beloved men he has worked so tirelessly to memorialize. — Map (db m14168) |
| California (Solano County), Vallejo — First Wireless Station |
| | On a hill 300 feet south of this point, the first naval wireless station on the Pacific Coast was erected in 1904.
Plaque erected in Sept 1954 — Map (db m26010) |
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