Benicia Capitol State Historic Park facts for kids
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Benicia Capitol State Historic Park
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California State Capitol, 1853–1854
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1st and G Sts., Benicia, California |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1852 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival-Palladian |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000204 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 12, 1971 |
The Benicia Capitol State Historic Park is a special place in Benicia, California. It is a state park that protects an important old building. This building was once California's third capitol. A capitol building is where the state government meets to make laws.
The California State Legislature met here from February 1853 to February 1854. They then decided to move the state capital to Sacramento. This Benicia building is the only capitol from before Sacramento that still stands. The park also includes the Fischer-Hanlon House. This old house was moved to the property in 1858. It also has a carriage house, workers' quarters, and pretty gardens.
Contents
A Look Back: The Capitol's Journey
Why the Capitol Moved to Benicia
In early 1853, state lawmakers were not happy in Vallejo, California. They complained about not having enough furniture and good places to sleep. So, the Legislature and Governor John Bigler agreed to move the state capital. They chose Benicia, which was nearby.
The lawmakers met in the Benicia City Hall. But after just over a year, new complaints started. People were unhappy about the bad weather and uncomfortable sleeping spots. They also worried that important public records were not safe.
Moving the Capitol to Sacramento
Sacramento then offered its courthouse for free as a new capitol building. The Assembly and Senate agreed. They passed a new law to move the capital to Sacramento. This new law canceled all the old ones about where the capital should be.
On February 25, 1854, Governor Bigler signed the law. The capital officially moved to its current home in Sacramento. The lawmakers and governor boarded a steamship called the Wilson G. Hunt. They were ready to start work in their new building.
The people of Benicia were not happy about the move. The Sacramento Union newspaper reported something interesting. It said that the owners of the wharves (docks) in Benicia refused to let the steamship load the furniture. They wanted $500, which was a lot of money back then! The lawmakers refused to pay. So, the furniture was shipped from a different wharf instead.
The capitol building is designed in the Greek Revival-Palladian style. It became a California State Historic Landmark on January 11, 1935. Later, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 12, 1971.
What You See Today
The original capitol building has been carefully restored. It looks much like it did when lawmakers met there. Inside, you can see reconstructed furniture from that time. The floor is made of ponderosa pine, just like the original.
The desks have items that people used in the 1850s. You can see a candlestick, an old newspaper, and a quill pen. There is also blotting sand, a spitoon, and a top hat. These items help you imagine what it was like to be a lawmaker long ago.
The historic park is located at 115 West G Street in Benicia. This city is in the northern San Francisco Bay Area. It sits between San Pablo Bay and Suisun Bay.
On February 16, 2000, the California State Legislature held a special meeting. They met in the old Benicia Capitol. This was a symbolic session to celebrate 150 years since the Legislature first met.
Saving the Park
Challenges and Closures
In January 2008, the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park faced a challenge. California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested closing it. This was part of a plan to save money during a budget crisis. Many people were upset, and the plan was later canceled.
However, the park was again on a list of parks to close in 2009. This was due to ongoing money problems. In 2011, Governor Jerry Brown also listed it among 70 parks that might close. The state was still dealing with budget issues.
A Happy Ending for State Parks
Luckily, the parks were saved! In March 2013, the Director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation made an announcement. Anthony L. Jackson said that no state parks would close while he was in charge. He stated that he had "done away with park closures." This was great news for places like Benicia Capitol State Historic Park.
Gallery
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From the southwest
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Front portico
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From the southeast
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Park sign
See also
- List of California state parks
- California State Legislature
- John Bigler
- Former California State Capitol sites
- California Historical Landmarks in Solano County
