110 WEST J STREET

The first Masonic Temple in California was constructed in 1850 on land donated by Alexander Riddell and with lumber donated by Benicia founder Robert Semple. The lower floor of the building was used as a court room and County offices prior to completion of the State Capitol building in 1863. Benicia was the county seat for Solano County at the time.

The second floor of this building is virtually unchanged and has remarkably ornate woodwork made by California frontier craftsmen.