Benicia Historical Society

The Benicia Historical Society was founded in 1973. Our mission is to bring together people interested in the history of Benicia and California. The Society works to preserve the history and heritage of our city for future generations. Our goal is to enhance historic Benicia through education, communication and community involvement.
   In 1977, Benicia Historical Society established a “History Writers Group.” The first editor, Charline Erwin, produced a collection of articles of historical interest.
   With the support of the Benicia Herald editor, Nick Sestanovich, we are pleased to present selections from the work of the volunteers and writers of the Benicia Historical Society. Their research helps preserve the rich history and priceless heritage of our city.

The First Steamer
(excerpt taken from the first issue of The Benicia Sentinel vol. 1, No. 1 published by the Benicia Historical Society October 1977)

The first steamer that ever went above the mouth of Feather river, on the Sacramento, was constructed here; she was a flat square thing about four times as large as her engine would warrant.  She was named the Lucy Long. For the reason, probably, that she would take her time, being nine days on her first trip from this port to Sacramento City; she had no house or covering except a little shed over the engine and boiler, notwithstanding which, some ten or twelve persons took passage on her in November when it was raining hard.  About the fifth day of the trip, and after the whisky had all given out, a wild young fellow who had been the life of the party concluded he would take his first nap’ so stowing himself among the timber and window sash, which composed part of the cargo, he proceeded to protect himself from the drenching rain, by covering up his body with the window shah, and went fast asleep, but awoke a few hours later soaking wet, and found that the sash were not glazed, such as his force of imagination.

(Taken from The Benicia Tribune Feb. 7, 1874.)

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