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 . . . — — Map (db m16297) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m16322) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m58330) HM
The Holy Ghost Committee and Portuguese community of Benicia have celebrated the Feast of the Holy Ghost since 1907 and in this BDES Hall since 1915.
Benicia Council #35 I.D.E.S. was organized on December 29, 1900. The council hosted its first . . . — — Map (db m283184) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m16296) HM
Center Panel:
Two California Stories Echo Across Centuries
Visit the venue for California political action in 1853-54.
Tour the Fischer-Hanlon House to steep yourself in 19th century home life.
Explore a Historic Garden . . . — — Map (db m259608) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m40834) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m25895) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m155174) HM
The first stone fortress in the far west. Originally had two towers, but following an accidental explosion in 1912, it was rebuilt with only one tower and the present clock was installed. During the building’s history, it has served as a chapel, . . . — — Map (db m16305) HM
An imposing residence of classic Georgian architecture with 14-foot ceilings and 24-inch brick walls. The lumber for the wainscoting, parquet floors, paneling, stair rails and balustrades was carried by ship "around The Horn".
During the last . . . — — Map (db m40855) HM
Named for Thomas Ap Catesby Jones, founder of the Naval Academy and War of 1812 hero. As Commander of the Pacific Fleet, Jones landed at Monterey 1842, raising the Stars and Stripes under misapprehension of war with Mexico. From 1848 to 1850 he . . . — — Map (db m40973) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m16325) HM
Born in New Jersey in 1812, a convert to the church, renowned preacher and missionary, Peter Augustine Anderson was the first American Dominican to work in California and the first priest to offer mass in the Sacramento Valley. He was stricken with . . . — — Map (db m284295) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m16317) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m16334) HM
Gen. Mariano G. Vallejo
Who was Commandante of Northern
California for over 10 years.
Thomas O. Larkin
U.S. Consul in California 1844-1846.
Robert Semple
Presiding Officer of the First Constitutional
Convention of California and . . . — — Map (db m16360) HM
In honor of native son Douglass Phillip Quandt, Major General, U.S. Army Corps.
Born in this arsenal, Douglass Quandt graduated from West Point and went on to command parachute batallions in the European and Pacific Campaigns in WWII and later in . . . — — Map (db m41055) HM
Singler Barbershop & Home c. 1897-1947
Restoration by Jerry & Maryellen Hayes
City Award: Historic Preservation Week
May 189
Benicia Historic Landmark No. 15 — — Map (db m284193) HM
[Plaque one]
December 6, 1850 Bishop Joseph Alemany and Father Francis Vilarrasa arrived in San Francisco from Europe, to found the first Dominican convent in California, which they opened in Monterey. When Bishop Alemany became archbishop . . . — — Map (db m284290) HM
In 1856 Swiss-born Joseph Fischer, merchant and cattleman, purchased a gold rush period hotel in Benicia. Moved it to this site, and remodeled it as his residence.
In 1969 his descendants, the Misses Raphealita, Catherine, and Marie Rose . . . — — Map (db m284063) HM
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 m155173) HM
Norm lived his entire life in his hometown of Benicia. He dedicated most of his life to preserving his Portuguese heritage and worked diligently to ensure that the Holy Ghost Festa or Feast of the Holy Spirit continued as an annual Benicia . . . — — Map (db m284284) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m16375) HM
Named for the first child of the
Mayflower born in the New World and
the falcon once native to the area.
This building preserves a part of the original stables.
The building to the southwest, a private home is a renovated ark (houseboat)
from . . . — — Map (db m152861) HM
The "Playground of Dreams" began in the imaginations of Benicia's children and became reality because volunteers gave their time to built it. Hundreds of children drew pictures, wrote stories and met with architect Robert Leathers in November 1991 . . . — — Map (db m284286) HM
[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 . . . — — Map (db m16327) HM
The burial of prisoners of war (POWs) in soldiers' and national cemeteries dates to the Civil War (1861-1865). The United States and Confederacy collectively held more than 400,000 prisoners in overcrowded camps. Mortality rates were high. Based on . . . — — Map (db m250400) HM WM
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 . . . — — Map (db m16371) HM
A dedicated volunteer firefighter serving Benicia for over 60 years Contributing member of Benicia Historical Museum
Docent for Benicia State Capitol Building Park
This bench placed near the site where Solano Engine Co No 1 was put in the . . . — — Map (db m284083) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m16318) HM
[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 . . . — — Map (db m16312) HM
On this site was organized by the Rev. Sylvester Woodbridge, Jr., on April 15, 1849 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 . . . — — Map (db m95697) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m10794) HM
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, . . . — — Map (db m31007) HM
