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

Robert Semple

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 20, 2009

1. Robert Semple Marker

Inscription.
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.

Erected 1947 by Historic Landmarks Committee, Native Sons of the Golden West during Centennial Ceremonies of Benicia’s 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. 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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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); Fischer-Hanlon House (a few steps from this marker); The Bohn Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Solano Hotel (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peregrine Landing Ark & Stables (about 800 feet away); Saint Paul's Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). 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

Marker is Located in Front Row on Left image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 20, 2009

3. Marker is Located in Front Row on Left

A Second Marker at this Site image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 20, 2009

4. A Second Marker at this Site

Founders of Benicia This marker page includes a short commentary on Robert Semple and the founding of Benicia.
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Robert Semple image. Click for full size.

Benicia Capitol State Historic Park Brochure, circa 1850's

5. Robert Semple

Robert Semple Grave Site image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 20, 2009

6. Robert Semple Grave Site

Located at the Williams Cemetery
Williams, California
Click for more information.

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 1,746 times since then and 16 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.