Benicia Capitol State Historic Park

Benicia Capitol State Historic Park is the site of California’s third seat of government (February 9, 1853-February 25, 1854). It is the only pre-Sacramento Capitol that survives.

The historic building has been restored with reconstructed period furnishings and exhibits. The interior includes a board-for-board reconstruction of the building’s original floor with ponderosa pine. The Senate chamber has been returned to its original glory housing three desks from the Benicia period or earlier. Other period appropriate items such as spittoons, candlesticks, 19^th century newspapers, and top hats can also be seen. The Assembly chamber found on the second floor is similarly arranged except for its larger size as this chamber housed 66 Assembly members compared to 27 Senate members found on the first floor.

Located next door to the historic Benicia Capitol is the Fischer-Hanlon House. This house had once been part of a fire-damaged, gold-rush-era hotel. Joseph Fischer, a prominent businessman in Benicia, purchased a salvageable portion of the hotel and moved it to its current location at 135 West G Street in 1858. Over the next few years this structure would take on its federalist home inspired appearance as it became the proper home for the Fisher family. In 1968 the granddaughters deeded the house with its original artifacts and furnishings to California State Parks. Presently, the house interprets the lives of its upper middle-class family residents from the mid-1800's through 1968.

Historic Fisher-Hanlon House tours available weekends, call ahead if interested in touring the home during the week.

Contact the park by phone or email to schedule a school/classroom fieldtrip reservation. If interested in taking a guided tour for large groups/clubs please also contact the park to make a reservation.

Seasons/Climate Recommended Clothing

The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.