Benicia Historical Society

1. Southern Pacific Train Depot (1900) 90 First Street This building, originally erected in the mid-1890’s in the town of Banta in San Joaquin County, was moved and erected at its present site in 1902. The depot location, at what was the entrance to the city and the center of Benicia’s commercial and industrial activities for many years, made this the most visible and visited building in Benicia. The depot was the last stop before train and travelers boarded “the largest ferry in the world,” the Solano/Contra Costa Ferry, which carried them across the Carquinez Strait to Port Costa. Restored by city and volunteer funding in 2001, the depot now is home to the Benicia Main Street Program and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. 2. Jack London Haunts (1892-1895) Semple Slips / Jurgensen Saloon Famed American author Jack London lived and worked on the waterfront in his early years. He roamed from Benicia to Alviso as an ‘Oyster Pirate’ and later became a member of the ‘Fish Patrol’ enforcing fish poaching laws. It was during his stay in Benicia that he began to write and where he garnered the experiences and inspiration for two of his well-known works, “Tales of the Fish Patrol” and “John Barleycorn.”The Jurgensen Old Corner Saloon was located at this site and was a favorite hangout for London and provided much material for “John Barleycorn.” 3. Alamo Rooms (1870) 123 First Street One of the numerous English sea captains who settled in Benicia, Captain Samuel Blyther, operated a small freighting business between Benicia and Bay Area ports. His home was on the west side of First Street on parcels of property known as Semple Slips. Built in the late 1870’s and later used as a rooming house called the Alamo Rooms, this site was famous or infamous as a popular bordello. It now serves as a seafood restaurant. 4. Houghton/Port Costa Lumber Yard (c1860) 307 First Street This building is the site of the first lumberyard in Benicia, owned and operated by C. B. Houghton, and who later (1867) served as mayor. It was probably moved from Port Costa, across the strait, to its present location. Garske’s Marine Services, Inc. and boatyard had occupied the site since 1950 and is currently owned by Phil Joy House Leveling and Historic Preservation. C 1905