Wandering Lizard
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An Online Magazine with Information relating to attractions, lodging, dining,
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Benicia, Solano County, California |
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Benicia was founded in May 1847 when Robert Semple and Thomas Larkin purchased five square miles of land from General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. The purchase price was $100 with the understanding that the city that the two men intended to found would be named after the General's wife Francesca Benicia Vallejo. |
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The first homes were constructed in the summer of 1847. Semple built a small scow and instituted the first ferry service across the Carquinez Strait soon thereafter. In 1848 gold was discovered at Columa and Benicia became an important way station for travellers moving to and from the mines. |
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The United States Army established Benicia Barracks in 1849 (Benicia Arsenal after 1852). In 1852 Benicia built an ambitious City Hall in the hope that the newly established State Government would locate there. The state legislature did, in fact, meet there for 13 months during 1853-54. |
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