The Benicia State Capitol

In February 1853, Benicia was chosen as the third capital of the new state of California. Along with San Jose, Vallejo and Sacramento, Benicia had been vying for the honor of hosting the legislature, and competition was fierce. Benicia was not the first choice, nor did it have what many politicians considered critical amenities, but it had something the others didn't: a beautiful, Greek-style capitol building available for use. Political rivalries and land disputes would eventually cause Sacramento to be awarded the capital, but for nearly thirteen months, Benicia held that distinction. Author James E. Lessenger provides an inside look at the politics at play in the fledgling Golden State and their effect on the ambitions of Benicia.

Jim Lessenger is a physician by profession and a historian by hobby. He has published thirty-one articles and two books in the field of medicine; this is his fourth publication in the field of history. Jim has long been fascinated by California history, and Benicia has enough history and stories to fill a shelf of books. He is an active volunteer at the Benicia History Museum. Dr. Lessenger still practices medicine by volunteering as the medical director of a free clinic and drug treatment community.