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

Site of First Business Building of Record

1855

— Vacaville —

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 6, 2009

1. Vacaville-First Business Building Site Marker

Inscription. 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.

Erected 1997 by Harvey and Lois Kaplow.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 38° 21.395′ N, 121° 59.269′ W. Marker is in Vacaville, California, in Solano County. It is at the intersection of Merchant Street and Main Street when traveling north on Merchant Street. Marker is mounted on the left front of The Heritage House Cafe building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 303 Merchant Street, Vacaville CA 95688, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gillespie’s Store (here, next to this marker); Built 1864 (a few steps from this marker); Triangle Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Odd Fellows Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Hospital" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Walker Opera House

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(about 400 feet away); Barcar Building (about 400 feet away); The Andrew Carnegie Public Library (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vacaville.

Regarding Site of First Business Building of Record. See Other Nearby Marker "Gillespie’s Store" for additional information regarding this site.

Additional commentary.
1. E.F. Gillespie
The Suisun City Historic Waterfront web site mentions that in 1868, George A. Gillespie, brother of E.F. Gillespie, was publishing the Solano Press. E.F. Gillespie had opened the first business in Vacaville and had gone on to become sheriff of Solano County.
Source:
http://www.suisunwaterfront.com/history/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=2

— Submitted March 7, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 6, 2009

2. Vacaville-First Business Building Site Marker

The Heritage House Cafe image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 6, 2009

3. The Heritage House Cafe

Located on the site of the First Business Building in Vacaville. Note: Marker is located to the left of the windows.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,421 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 7, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.