Benicia in Solano County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Robert Semple
Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 20, 2009
1. Robert Semple Marker
Robert Semple, chief founder of Benicia, negotiated with General M.G. Vallejo for the land and suggested new city be named after Generals wife, Francisca Benicia, selecting Francisca. Officials of Yerba Buena objected and by ordinance changed that citys 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.
Erected 1947 by Historic Landmarks Committee, Native Sons of the Golden West during Centennial Ceremonies of Benicias founding, June 15, 1947.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list.
Location. 38° 3.008′ N, 122° 9.54′ W. Marker is in Benicia, California, in Solano County. It can be reached from West G Street. Marker is located at the flag pole on the grounds of the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 115 West G Street, Benicia CA 94510, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, in Sacramento Valley, and specifically in the Central Valley. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Founders of Benicia (here, next to this marker); Old State Capitol (here, next to this marker); Antonio M. De LaGuerra 1825 81 (here, next to this marker); Benicia (here, next to this marker); Commemoration of California Legislature in Session (here, next to this marker); Fischer-Hanlon House (a few steps from this marker); Benicia Capitol State Historic Park (a few steps from this marker); The Joseph Fischer Residence (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Benicia.
Regarding Robert Semple. See all other Benicia "Nearby Markers" for additional information.
Also see . . .
1. Dr. Robert Bay Semple. Benica Historical Museum website entry (Submitted on March 9, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. Benicia Historical Museum. Museum website homepage (Submitted on June 18, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 20, 2009
2. Robert Semple Marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 20, 2009
3. Marker is Located in Front Row on Left
Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 20, 2009
4. A Second Marker at this Site
Click for more information.
Benicia Capitol State Historic Park Brochure, circa 1850's
5. Robert Semple
Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 20, 2009
6. Robert Semple Grave Site
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,007 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 22, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on February 23, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on April 20, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
