504 ECHOS-1995-228 eng Delaplane, Kristin Loss of Capitol, decline of port end dreams Apr 09, 1995 Information for this article came from the Benicia Camel Barn Museum, Solano County Genealogical Society, Benicia Historical Society, and Vacaville Heritage Council (Part 2. Last week was the story of the founding of Benicia in 1848 by Robert Semple, who purchased the land from Gen. Vallejo. The first news of the Gold Rush was in Benicia. The town grew as a major hub for travel to all points. It was a major port for sea-going vessels. Benicia was the state capital for 13 months in 1953. Many homes were built during this booming era, some of which still stand.) vacahc@gmail.com 228 53783467322 Publication/Article CaVaHC http://www.solanoarticles.com/history/index.php/vhcdb/228/ Read Article http://www.solanohistory.net/articles/228/228.1.pdf PDF Document