Benicia Historical Society

11. Solano Hotel Site (1850) Pony Express Stop Corner of West E and First Street Many legislators resided at the hotel during the months when Benicia was the state’s capital. The register included the names of such famous persons as Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, John A. Sutter, Governor Riley, Colonel Silas Casey (the Indian Fighter), F. L. Low (one of California’s governors), Judge Hastings of Hastings Law School fame and many others. Fire razed the hotel in 1945. This site is an example of the mutable nature of Old Town. The second story of the building you see today was moved to this site in 2000. It was previously the second story of the Jurgensen’s Saloon (1892) which was located down First Street north of the S. P. Railroad Depot. A frequent customer at the Jurgensen’s Saloon was the world famous author, Jack London. 12. State Capitol (1852) First andWest G Street This handsome brick building was completed in 1852 for use as a City Hall. It served as the State Capitol Building during 1853 and 1854, when Benicia was the capital of the State of California for a period of 13 months. The Senate Chambers were on the first floor, and the Assembly met on the second floor. In addition, there were several committee rooms. In 1854 the building also housed the State Treasury since no wooden structure was considered safe for this purpose. Historians record that there were good wooden sidewalks from the Capitol building to the town so the building could be reached dry-shod in all seasons. It is now a State Historical Park, having been completely restored and maintained by the California State Dept. of Parks and Recreation. 13. Fischer-Hanlon House (1850) 137West G Street This charming residence was once a Gold Rush hotel on First Street. Following a fire in 1856 it was purchased by a Swiss-born Benicia merchant, Joseph Fischer, who had the building moved to its present location. Here he had it turned around, added porches, a kitchen, servant’s quarters and privies.