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 |
Benicia Capitol State Historic Park is a special state park in Benicia, California. This park protects California’s third capitol building. This is where the state's lawmakers, called the California State Legislature, met from February 1853 to February 1854. After that, they decided to move the state capital to Sacramento. This old capitol building is the only one left from before Sacramento became the permanent capital. The park also includes the Fischer-Hanlon House, an old Benicia home. It was moved to the property and changed into a house in 1858. The park also has a carriage house, workers' living areas, and pretty gardens.
Contents
A Look Back: Benicia's Time as State Capital
Why the Capital Moved to Benicia
In early 1853, state lawmakers had many complaints about their meeting place in Vallejo, California. They said there wasn't enough furniture and not enough good places to sleep. So, with the agreement of Governor John Bigler, the capital moved to nearby Benicia that same year.
The lawmakers met in the Benicia City Hall for a little over a year. But by January 1854, new complaints came up. People were unhappy about bad weather, uncomfortable sleeping spots, and that important public papers weren't safe.
Moving On: From Benicia to Sacramento
Sacramento offered to let the state use its courthouse for free as a capital building. Because of this, the Assembly and Senate passed a new law. This law canceled all previous laws about where the capital should be. It moved the state capital to its new spot upriver in Sacramento.
On February 25, 1854, Governor Bigler signed this law. The capital officially moved to its current location. The lawmakers and governor boarded the steamship Wilson G. Hunt to go to their new home. The people of Benicia were very against this move. The Sacramento Union newspaper reported that the owners of the wharves (docks) refused to let the steamship land. They wanted $500 to let the ship pick up the legislative furniture. This request was refused, and the furniture was shipped from a different wharf.
A Historic Building: Its Design and Recognition
The capitol building has a special design called Greek Revival-Palladian. This style uses ideas from ancient Greek and Roman buildings. It was named a California State Historic Landmark on January 11, 1935. Later, the National Register of Historic Places added the Benicia capitol to its federal list on February 12, 1971.
What You See Today: Exploring the Capitol Park
Inside the Old Capitol Building
The original building has been fixed up to look like it did in the past. It has furniture and displays from that time. The floor inside is a new version of the original, made from ponderosa pine wood. The desks are set up with items from the 1850s. You can see things like a candlestick, an old newspaper, a quill pen, blotting sand, a spitoon, and a top hat.
Where to Find the Park
The historic park is located at 115 West G Street in Benicia. Benicia is a city 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 there. They did this to celebrate 150 years since the Legislature first met.
Saving Our Parks: The Closure Scare
Why Parks Were Almost Closed
In January 2008, Benicia Capitol State Historic Park was one of 48 California state parks that might close. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested this as a way to save money. This plan was later canceled because many people protested.
The park was again on a list of parks to close in 2009. This was due to ongoing money problems. It was also on Governor Jerry Brown's list of 70 parks that might close in 2011.
Good News: Parks Stay Open!
In March 2013, Anthony L. Jackson, who was the Director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation at the time, made a happy announcement. He said that no state parks would close while he was in charge. He had "done away with park closures." This meant that Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, and many others, would stay open for everyone to enjoy.
Images for kids
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Fischer-Hanlon House
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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
