Benicia Historical Society

5. Von Pfister Adobe (1847) Von Pfister Alley The Von Pfister Adobe was built in 1847 and was the third building erected in Benicia. Edward Von Pfister operated a general store and saloon in 1848, when a messenger from Sutter’s Mill stopped on his way to Monterey with a sample of gold nuggets. Unable to contain his secret, he informed those present of his precious cargo. Efforts are underway by the Benicia Historical Society to restore this most valuable and historical structure which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. 6.Washington House (1850) 333 First Street Built in 1850-51 and originally located at the East 5th Street wharf, this building served as a hotel for some members of the state legislature during the time when Benicia was California’s third capital. Daniel Hastings moved the present building to this site in 1856. In its colorful history it has served as home to the offices of the “Solano County Herald” newspaper, a butcher shop, a dry goods store, a lawyer’s office, a Chinese lottery, a speak easy during prohibition days, a bordello, an artist studio and a restaurant. 7. Davis-Merritt House (c1869) 123West D Street This structure was prefabricated in Maine and reassembled in its present location. The small two-room annex in the rear of the building is believed to have been built here prior to 1848 and contains an original chimney among its other features. Prior to its most recent renovation in 1988, this residence was called the “What Not Shop,” an antique and collectibles store. 8. Salt Box House (c1848) 145West D Street This little New England style “salt box” house overlooking the Carquinez Strait is one of several such homes prefabricated on the East Coast and sent in sections to California to be reassembled here during the Gold Rush Days. This home was moved here from Port Costa c 1879 after a disastrous fire destroyed all of the buildings on First Street between “D” and “E” Streets in 1867. 9. Union Hotel (c1880) 401 First Street The hotel opened in about 1880 as the Solano House and was later named the Newport. Today’s imposing hostelry is the product of renovation begun in 1970. It has twelve historically decorated guest rooms, a dining room and bar. Ghost stories abound in the hotel’s history including that of “Disappointed Mary.” 10. City Hotel (1879) 415 First Street This building, actually two sections of one building, was originally on the west side of First Street, north of “A” Street. A rooming house, this building dates from 1879-1880. It was moved from its location extending over the water. Its current location is between “D” and “E” Streets.