Benicia in Solano County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Benicia Historic Tannery - Circa 1890

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 12, 2011

1. Benicia Historic Tannery - Circa 1890 Marker

Inscription. In the early Twentieth century, Benicia supplied one-third of California's leather, much of it tanned on this site by Kullman, Salz & Company. Beginning in 1881, early tannery structures occupied the western half of this block and by 1891 tannery structures covered the entire block.

A three-story brick building was sited on First Street, sprawling sheds holding mountains of tanbark from Humboldt County lined East Second Street and an imposing five-story rolling building dominated the area near C and First Streets. Overhead covered walkways linked structures, with one spanning across First Street.

At its production height, the tannery employed over 300 local workers, primarily Portuguese and Greek. It ceased Benicia operations in 1928 and the buildings were vacated. A series of fires erupted following the facility's closure, causing destruction of all buildings by 1945.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 38° 2.788′ N, 122° 9.651′ W. Marker is in Benicia, California, in Solano County. Marker is on First Street north of East B Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 296 First Street, Benicia CA 94510, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker. Peregrine Landing Ark & Stables (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Solano Hotel (about 700 feet away); Dedicated to the Memory of Pony Express Riders (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pony Express Ferry “Carquinez” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jack London (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Bohn Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Founders of Benicia (approx. ¼ mile away); Robert Semple (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Benicia.

Also see . . . Benicia Tannery was one of the state’s best. Sabine Goerke-Schode's article (6/21/2008) on the development of the leather tanning industry in Benicia: "... During the 19th century, canneries and tanneries formed the core of Benicia’s economy. The earliest tannery, the Pioneer Tannery, was founded in 1864 and underwent several changes of ownership. Within a short time period others followed, creating a cluster of tanneries." (Submitted on March 12, 2011.)

Benicia Historic Tannery - Circa 1890 Marker - Wide view looking across First Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 12, 2011

2. Benicia Historic Tannery - Circa 1890 Marker - Wide view looking across First Street

The marker is visible here on the very left corner of the building.

Kullman, Salz & Company Tannery - marker detail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 12, 2011

3. Kullman, Salz & Company Tannery - marker detail

This image was created by S. Lovett in 2005, based upon an historic photograph held by the Benicia Historical Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,475 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 12, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.