Benicia Capitol

Three plaques on the wall here tell the building's short career as a capitol, from the Daughters of the American Revolution's of 1924 to the Legislature's own of 2000, when it met here again for its 150th anniversary. The town offered the hall it was building, its interior pillars cut from the masts of ships abandoned in the bay, and the state bronze's ostensibly admits the offer was on its mind. The Legislature came from Vallejo in February 1853 and left for Sacramento a year later, tired of its meagre lodgings. It is the only pre-Sacramento capitol left.

What the plaque says

Benicia Capital of California 1853 - 1854 The State Legislature here convened Marked by the Daughters of the American Revolution of California 1924 Old State Capitol 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 the State in 1951, it was one of the four locations of the "Capitol on Wheels". California Registered Historical Landmark No. 153 Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Solano County Historical Society, August 23, 1975. The California Legislature Met in Session Here on February 16, 2000 in Commemoration of the Legislature's 150th Anniversary John L. Burton President pro Tempore of the Senate Antonio F. Villaraigosa Speaker of the Assembly

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Fischer-Hanlon House — steps away
• Saint Paul's Episcopal Church — steps away
• First Building Erected in California by Masonic Lodge for Use as a Hall — steps away
• Site of First Protestant Church — 0.3 mi